Joseph Isangura
The Tanzania Union of Government and Health Employees (TUGHE) has appealed to the government to initiate revisions to the Employment and Labour Relations Act.
The current legislation grants 84 days of maternity leave for women who give birth to one child, while those who have multiple births are entitled to 100 days. TUGHE is advocating for an extension of the maternity leave period to provide women with a longer duration to care for their newborns.
During a gathering at the Temeke Regional Referral Hospital in Dar Es Salaam, Dr. Jane Madete, the Deputy Chairperson of TUGHE, expressed the union’s willingness to collaborate with the government in improving the law. The proposed amendments aim to ensure that women have adequate time to nurture and attend to their infants, promoting their overall well-being.
Dr. Madete also expressed gratitude to the government for addressing the longstanding concerns of female employees regarding premature births. Previously, the special care period for preterm infants was counted as leave. However, in a significant development, the Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, announced during the national Labor Day celebrations in Arusha that the special care period for mothers of premature infants would no longer be considered as leave. Instead, it would commence once the child completes the special care period. This change recognizes the unique needs and challenges faced by mothers of preterm babies, ensuring they have ample time to provide necessary care and attention.
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Reflecting on the importance of parent-child bonding, Dr. Joseph Kimaro, the Director of Temeke Regional Referral Hospital, highlighted the scientifically proven benefits of newborns receiving care from their biological parents. The provision of a nurturing and supportive environment by the biological parents during the critical early stages of a child’s life significantly contributes to their healthy development.
TUGHE’s call for amendments to the maternity leave law underscores the union’s dedication to championing the rights and well-being of female employees. By advocating for an extended maternity leave period and recognizing the specific needs of mothers with premature infants, Tanzania aims to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. These efforts aim to ensure the overall health and prosperity of both working mothers and their newborns, fostering a brighter future for families across the nation.
