Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP Winnie Moongo has tabled a motion that seeks to extend maternity leave and introduces the concept of paternity leave in a bid to strengthen family bonds and support newborns' health.

Moongo cited the critical role that mothers play in society, describing them as the strongest pillars holding communities together.

She underscored the vulnerability mothers face when their needs are neglected and called for universal maternity protection for social justice, inclusive growth, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

The proposed motion aims to extend maternity leave to five months with full pay, aligning it with global standards.

"The International Labour Organisation's estimate is that over 800 million women worldwide lack economic security around childbirth, leading to adverse effects on both maternal and child health. Convention 183 and Recommendation 191 say women should have minimum standards for maternity protection, including maternity leave duration and cash benefits."

Moongo argued that longer maternity leave is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the child, allowing for continued breastfeeding, which is recommended by the World Health Organization.

Fathers also need paternity leave to take an active role in childcare responsibilities and promote gender equality in parenting.

"It is believed that most fathers are not involved... Paternity leave can be an important mechanism to encourage partners to take greater responsibility for children's upbringing."