简体中文
A local women group submitted a petition to Hong Kong government officials on Thursday, calling for accelerating the legal process of granting paternity leave to male employees.
Filed by Hong Kong Women Development Association, the petition, which comes ahead of the coming Father's Day, urges the government to accelerate the law drafting process and increase the paid paternity leave from three- to five-day, an entitlement which all civil servants in the city have already enjoyed.
Despite objections from employers, city officials agreed to start drafting laws on three-day paternity leave last November. But the association says there has been no concrete actions.
The group also advises the government to establish a special fund on aiding small and medium enterprises (SMEs) regarding the extra costs involved, including such measures like rolling out a favorable tax refund policy to SMEs that offer 5-day paid paternity leaves.
Data show that 50% of women experience gloomy mood after giving birth, and 11% to 12% of women suffer from depression. "If husband can spare time to accompany their wives and take care of them, the risk of depression could be cut," the petition reads. "Statutory paternity leaves encourages the sharing of family responsibilities at home and allow males employees to have a better work-life balance."
Citing some past research reports, the petition says granting males employees paternity leaves could not only avoid the influence of family factors from affecting work performance, but also enhance workers' sense of belonging and thereby improving employee relationships
The association also urges the government to implement a comprehensive and effective family-friendly employment practice policy, including flexible working hours and funding social service organizations to help citizens cope with work pressure.
