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SCMP Reporter

 Everyone knows of the leave women in most developed nations get when they have a baby: maternity leave.  But we are supposed to be living in times in which men and women have equal responsibilities and opportunities. I think men should also get paternity leave.  
After mothers give birth, they are exhausted and find it hard to take care of the baby on their own. They may also have emotional problems. They need the father's support. This will bring the family closer.
Paternity leave gives men a chance to play a more important role in the family. They can help with the housework and spend time with the wife and baby. Women are no longer expected to be stay-at-home mothers, so why should they take sole responsibility of the child? 
I think paternity leave is good for employers too, because men will be less stressed out if they can be at home when their family needs them. 
Sze Tsz-yuen, Hong Kong Chinese Women's Club College
From the Editor
 Thank you for your interesting letter, Tsz-yuen. Women in Hong Kong are legally entitled to 10 weeks' paid maternity leave. But then they return to work, usually leaving their baby with their mum or mother-in-law, or a helper. The father, if he is lucky, might take a couple of days off right after the birth.
But increasingly, studies are showing that babies should spend more time with their fathers. 
In much of Europe, fathers are entitled to 'parental leave' - in the UK, for example, they can take up a week or two of paid paternity leave within the first eight weeks of the birth. This gives fathers critical bonding time with their baby, and means mothers can take a rest from the constant care-giving.
If men and women are going to continue approaching 'equality', and if family relationships are to improve, paid paternity leave is a matter the government needs to seriously consider.
Karly, Deputy Editor




Give men paternity leave