The government "will extend paternity leave ," pledged Tuesday before the National Assembly Marlène Schiappa, reaffirming its support for a long-standing feminist demand, carried by more and more men.
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" Yes, I tell you, the government of Edouard Philippe will extend paternity leave ," said the Secretary of State for Equality between women and men, questioned on this subject by a member of the majority during questioning the government. According to the Secretary of State, who however did not specify the new duration envisaged for this leave, nor the calendar, " all the members of the government work there collectively ".
" This will is shared by many members of Parliament, on different benches, " she continued, saying that this measure would be part of " the straight continuity of the great cause of the quinquennium for equality between women and the men ”.
Last weekend, on Father's Day, several members of the government said they were in favor of including in the law an extension of paternity leave, referring to bringing it to one month. Currently, seven out of ten fathers take this “ paternity and childcare ” leave , lasting 11 consecutive days for a single birth and 18 days for a multiple birth.
Introduced in 2002, this optional system, compensated by Health Insurance according to salary, supplements the compulsory three-day birth leave, paid by the employer. Several petitions and forums have called in recent years for a review of paternity leave, deemed " too short to be effective ".