The birth of a child represents a turning point in the personal and professional lives of parents, but men and women experience this transition unequally in the workplace. Maternity and paternity leave policies, despite having evolved over the years, still reinforce disparities that directly impact women’s careers.
While maternity leave in Brazil can last up to six months, paternity leave is much shorter, with only five working days guaranteed by law, widening the challenge of gender equity upon return to work. Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) also shows that in 2021, the female labor force participation rate was 51.6%, well below the 71.6% for men. This gap worsens after motherhood, with an increase of up to 50% in the participation gap between women and men who have children compared to those without children.
According to Bia Nóbrega, a specialist in Human and Organizational Development, over the last 30 years, the labor market has undergone significant progress, but women still face all kinds of barriers after having children. “Motherhood remains one of the biggest challenges in women’s professional trajectories. The consequences are especially evident during the first five years of the child’s life, a period when dedication to childcare is most intensive,” she explains.
Reduced work hours, flexible schedules, extended leave, and paid time off to handle matters like medical appointments and school adjustment, among other topics, are still subjects with very early-stage discussions in the country. “Moreover, when these issues are discussed, the focus is on making them women’s rights, when they should be extended to any caregiver, precisely to reduce the burden on women when it comes to balancing careers and children,” she explains.
In this context, these professionals still face the difficult task of balancing work life with domestic responsibilities in general—viewed as female responsibilities—and the effects of this imbalance are amplified by the lack of adequate support policies, such as the availability of daycare centers and full-time schools. It is also important to note that single mothers are the second-largest family structure in Brazil, which places even more responsibilities and challenges on their shoulders.
A far from equitable labor market
Beyond labor market participation issues, there is also a considerable disparity in terms of wages. Studies show that in 2021, mothers earned about 22.8% less than fathers in similar roles. This reflects both the undervaluation of women’s work and the cultural pressure that places women as primary caregivers.
To promote a more inclusive and equitable corporate environment, experts suggest that companies adopt measures such as flexible work hours, extended paternity leave, and the implementation of shared parental leave policies. “It is necessary to create an organizational culture that supports both men and women in balancing work and family life, so that equity goes beyond office positions offered equally to all genders,” argues the expert.
The challenges faced by women after the birth of a child are largely a reflection of deeply ingrained social norms. However, with the implementation of public and corporate policies focused on this issue, the impact of these inequalities can be reduced. Initiatives such as accessible daycare and raising awareness that investing in early childhood support also means fostering a healthier future community, with access to better education and work conditions, are fundamental steps toward developing a society that values and supports diversity.
