Strong call for paid paternal leave for men

Most respondents to an online poll by The Times favour the introduction of paid paternal leave for men but a quarter argue Malta simply cannot afford it.

The question on whether paid paternal leave should be introduced forthwith was given the thumbs up by 72.5 per cent of respondents.

Most "yes" voters argued that a brief paid leave period for new fathers similar to that already instituted for working women would enable a family to better share responsibilities to bring up children in the first weeks.

One respondent suggested that fathers should get a minimum of six weeks paternal leave in order to care for their children "in the first year, possibly the first six months from birth".

While providing fathers with the possibility to bond with their children, introducing paternal leave would also "narrow the gender gap".

Other arguments in favour said it may be better for the father to stay at home if the mother's salary is much higher, even though paid paternal leave would be "unfair" if the working wife earns a high salary.

"With gay parents, God forbid, who shall get the paternal and maternal leave," a respondent asked.

"If we add more social benefits, we would drive industry and private enterprise away from the country," ran the economic argument of another respondent.

One of those who voted "no", touched the long-standing discord between those who see the traditional family as a mere social construct and those who look on the traditional role of mother and father as part of a "natural" scheme. "Are we trying to change the course of nature? Maternal leave should remain tied to the natural ability of women to bear children."

The same respondent also commented that paternal leave is purely a personal decision which employers should not be made to pay for, adding that the outcome of the online poll might not be showing a genuine need for paternal leave but "a general desire for more absence from work".

Directly contradicting this idea was a father of six, who said it was difficult for him to cope with work when his wife had complications bearing their sixth child.

"A balance should be struck between parenting and work. Children are only young once and lots of parents are missing out on the pleasure and excitement of watching and helping their kids grow," one respondent noted.