Joseph Isangura
Tanzania has introduced changes to its Employment and Labour Relations Act, Cap. 366, to extend maternity leave for mothers who give birth prematurely.
Under the new provisions, mothers will now receive paid maternity leave for up to 40 weeks after giving birth, reflecting the full length of a typical pregnancy. This change is a major step in recognizing the unique challenges that parents face when their babies are born early.
The government’s decision highlights the importance of allowing mothers to stay home longer to care for their premature babies, who often need specialized medical attention and extra care during their first months. With many premature infants requiring intensive care and extended hospital stays, this extended leave will help ensure that mothers can be with their children during such a crucial period.
In addition to this extension for mothers, the law now grants fathers of preterm infants seven days of paternity leave, an increase from the previous three days. This adjustment reflects a growing understanding of the importance of both parents being present to support their newborns, especially in such delicate circumstances. It’s a step toward encouraging shared responsibility in child-rearing, which benefits not only the child but the family as a whole.
These changes aren’t just about offering more time off; they also have significant implications for the health of both the mother and child. Studies show that extended maternity leave can reduce maternal stress and improve overall health outcomes, lowering infant mortality rates and supporting children’s cognitive and emotional development.
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This change also stands to have positive impacts on the workplace, reducing absenteeism and increasing employee satisfaction.
With this move, the government is also sending a powerful message about job security for working mothers. Many women worry about the impact that taking time off could have on their careers, particularly if they face complications during pregnancy. By extending maternity leave, the government is ensuring that women can take the time they need to recover and care for their children without fearing for their job stability.
While the focus has largely been on the extended maternity leave, the increase in paternity leave is another important step. Although still shorter than the global average, the extra time acknowledges the vital role fathers play in caring for their newborns and allows them to be more present in their child’s early life.
