Maternity leave in Lebanon is back in the spotlight as lawmakers consider extending it from ten to fourteen weeks.
The proposal would also grant fathers ten days of paternity leave.
The measure aims to offer greater protection to families. It would also help mothers care for their newborns while continuing their professional lives.
MP Anaya Ezzedine, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Women and Children, explained that the bill has reached the joint parliamentary committees. However, other legislative priorities have delayed its placement on the agenda.
Meanwhile, the committee continues to work on several family-friendly measures.
One proposal would allow mothers to work part-time while maintaining their social security rights.
The committee is also considering one hour of paid breastfeeding leave during the working day.
However, protecting women from workplace discrimination remains a major challenge. Marriage and motherhood can still affect women’s employment opportunities.
According to Ezzedine, around 65 percent of working women in Lebanon work in the informal sector.
As a result, many women face a greater risk of losing their rights. They may also experience unfair wages or poor working conditions.
In addition, the committee is studying ways to support childcare for working families. These measures could include daycare centers inside large institutions or a daycare allowance for working mothers.
Therefore, the debate goes beyond extending maternity leave. The broader goal is to create a work environment that supports motherhood without limiting women’s professional futures.
MTV
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