The country with the shortest legally mandated maternity leave in the world is Papua New Guinea, where mothers are only entitled to two weeks of paid leave.
This stark contrast to the global average highlights the significant disparities in parental leave policies across the globe. In many developed nations, such as Canada and Sweden, mothers can enjoy up to a year of paid leave. However, in Papua New Guinea, the lack of adequate maternity leave can pose challenges for mothers returning to work and potentially impact their health and well-being.
The limited leave duration in Papua New Guinea emphasizes the critical need for global efforts to promote and implement more comprehensive and supportive parental leave policies. Such policies are crucial for fostering a healthy and equitable society that values the well-being of both mothers and children.
