THEto conciliation between professional and family needsis an increasingly coveted goal from contemporary societies, because the way in which a country decides to support familieshas a direct impact on fundamental choices, such as birth rate, female participation in the labor market and the quality of life itself. It is precisely for this reason that at the center of this speech, one cannot fail to put Parental leavea fundamental tool to try to give more effective answers to the problem.
Family policies: Spain exceeds everyone
In this context, the recent sentence of the Spanish Supreme Court, which recognized the right to double parental leave for single mothersrepresents a milestone in the struggle for gender equality and for the recognition of the value of parenting. Historical decision which, however, throws a fairly merciless light on existing differences Among the protection systems of motherhood and paternity in the various European countries, and in particular between Spain and Italy.
Double parental leave to the single mother
The story is that of a single mother, public employee, who filed an appeal against his employer, complaining about the fact that he had been denied twice the parental leave with respect to the provisions of couples. His request was based on the principle that each child has the right to a period of care and equal assistance. The Supreme Court welcomed its reasons, establishing that denying the double leave to single mothers constitutes discrimination against their children. By saying, in practice, that children born in single -parent families have the right to the same weeks of parental leave as children born in families with two parents.
The new fathers want to be better but they need more support and a longer leave to stay more with the children just arrived (Getty Images)
The Spanish example
Spain has always distinguished itself for a progressive family policy And the measure of parental leave is one of the most advanced in Europe. The verdict just pronounced, is a clear sign of wanting to continue in this direction and that is, to want to guarantee all children the same growth opportunitiesregardless of the composition of the family unit. This measure, in fact, not only supports single mothers, but also promotes greater sharing of parental responsibilities between men and women.
Italy: a painting still to be completed
In Italy, the situation is more complex and has definitely margins of improvement. Although some reforms have been in recent years, Our country is still far from the most advanced models. Maternity leave is five months, while that of paternity is limited to a few days. Parental leaveThen, the one that can be used by both parents is ten months total, but with a salary that decreases over time.
The consequences of an inadequate system
This local inadequacy has significant consequences on the life of families and on society as a whole. In Italy, it is certainly not new, Women continue to pay a high price in terms of career, having most of the time give up job opportunities if they want to have a child. A gender imbalance, however, that limiting the full use of female talent, also has repercussions on the country’s economic growth.
Parental leave: more attractive for fathers
To overcome these difficulties it is necessary A commitment decided by institutions and companies. Commitment that must serve to make parental leave increasingly generous and flexible. The real challenge is to make the much more attractive measure for fatherspromoting more a culture of sharing parental responsibilities. To do it, adequate remuneration must be guaranteedso that families don’t have to choose whether to be with their children or earn more. It is necessary Promote flexible forms of work which allow parents to more easily reconcile work and family life. And it is equally indispensable, a system of quality and accessible childhood services to allow women to return more easily to the world of work.
Answers no longer postponable
The Spanish sentence It opens new perspectives and offers a cross -section of a possible futurewhere family policies are at the center of attention. Italy has the opportunity to draw inspiration from this example and to face its challenge also building, a more ambitious and inclusive parental leave systemthat it is really up to the challenges of our time.
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