{"id":5136,"date":"2017-01-12T11:32:17","date_gmt":"2017-01-12T15:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mencare.org\/?p=5136"},"modified":"2017-01-13T12:30:39","modified_gmt":"2017-01-13T16:30:39","slug":"positive-fatherhood-five-south-african-couples-reveal-joys-challenges-parenting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mencare.org\/es\/positive-fatherhood-five-south-african-couples-reveal-joys-challenges-parenting\/","title":{"rendered":"Paternidad positiva: cinco parejas sudafricanas revelan las alegr\u00edas (y los desaf\u00edos) de la crianza de los hijos"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Sonke Gender Justice<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

In South Africa, as in most countries, social and economic policies continue to reflect and reinforce the link between fatherhood and work, and motherhood and care.\u00a0Providing leave for fathers is one way to encourage men\u2019s increased participation in caregiving as well as a more equal division of household labour between men and women. It can also help to promote gender equality.<\/p>\n

Sonke has been advocating for paternal leave in South Africa for some time. South Africa is often viewed as a model for African development, yet we are behind our counterparts on the continent in this aspect. Kenya and Burundi for example offer 14 days, and Madagascar, Cameroon and several others offer 10 days leave for new fathers. A Labour Law Amendment Bill currently with parliament could be the first step toward more gender equal parenting leave in South Africa. It\u2019s the first time paternity and adoptive leave is seriously being considered for our economy. Adoption leave will provide leave for same sex parents too. The proposed 10 days paternity leave, and the other proposals are likely to make it to our national assembly for approval this year or early next.<\/p>\n

Five South African couples reveal the joys \u2013 and challenges \u2013 of parenting.<\/p>\n\n\t\t