Mothers receive nearly eight times more paid leave than fathers, UN data shows

Mothers around the world receive nearly eight times as much paid leave as fathers, leaving women to carry most of the care burden at a cost to families, children and economies, according to a press release published on 22 October 2026 by United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the World Bank. On average, mothers receive 196 days of paid leave while fathers receive just 25, the new policy brief states. The findings point to a persistent parenthood gap that shapes family life long after parents return to work. The brief is titled From Parenthood Leave to Childcare Services. It arrives ahead of the International Day of Care and Support on 29 October.

In 66 of the 190 economies surveyed, fathers are guaranteed no paid leave at all. In half of the remaining economies, they receive less than two weeks. Mothers are not universally protected either, with 61 economies offering less than the International Labour Organization (ILO) standard of 14 weeks. In six economies, mothers are guaranteed no paid leave whatsoever. The disparities underscore uneven protections across jurisdictions.

Sharing the load

The brief finds that when fathers take leave, they share more of the childcare and housework over the longer term. This eases the burden on women, who on average spend 2.5 times more hours per day on unpaid care work than men. Paternity leave is also associated with higher earnings and employment for mothers. More men taking leave could reduce the “motherhood penalty” faced by their female co-workers. Children benefit too, with one analysis linking more responsible fathering to better cognitive functioning, language, emotion regulation and behaviour.

Recent research shows that men increasingly want to be more involved in caregiving, and more than 64 per cent would support higher taxes to expand public care services. Caregiving responsibilities also extend beyond children, as around one in four parents care for older people, often with little or no support. “Care sustains our families, societies and economies, yet women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of it,” said UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda. She added that closing the parenthood gap requires equitable parental and carers’ leave. Policies must also enable fathers to take on their fair share of care, alongside social protection.

Beyond parenthood

Ahead of the International Day of Care and Support on 29 October, UN agencies are calling for care systems that challenge discriminatory gender norms. The agencies want men and boys recognized as caregivers. They also seek equal footing for all family members within care policies. The brief frames parental leave as a cornerstone of broader care system reform. Its release signals renewed attention to how parenthood policies shape economies and gender equality.