MUSCAT: The United Nations organisations in Oman represented by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) commended the move taken by Oman's government to launch maternity leave for Omani and non-Omani workers in the public and private sectors.
The newly launched maternity leave scheme, which comes into effect on July 19, provides 98 days of fully paid maternity leave for working mothers including the option to commence leave 14 days prior to the expected delivery date and seven days of paternity leave.
“I applaud the Sultanate of Oman for its strong commitment to the well-being of its workforce and its citizens.” commented Sumaira Chowdhury, Unicef Oman Representative.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sub-regional office for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) emphasised that reproductive health is fundamental to equal economic and social participation. Prioritising reproductive health, including maternity and paternity leave, can boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance the economic empowerment of women and society as a whole.
UNFPA further noted that women comprise approximately 40 per cent of the global workforce, and workplaces that accommodate women's needs benefit everyone. It added that Oman Vision 2040 prioritises the development of its citizens through advanced education, a robust health system, the promotion of citizenship, identity, and national culture, and the achievement of well-being and social protection. The vision also emphasises the importance of a competitive, innovation-driven economy with diversified roles, equal opportunities, and private sector leadership, all contributing to sustainable development goals.
Dr Jean Jabbour, World Health Organization Representative to the Sultanate of Oman, emphasised "the importance of the mother's presence in the first months of her child's life is crucial in shaping the child's future health, emotional, and social well-being.”
Paid maternity leave is associated with an increase in the number of regular visits for monitoring child growth and a rise in global immunisation rates and timely vaccine coverage. It also ensures that mothers have sufficient time for rest and newborn care not only that but also it is linked to higher rates of initiation and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding. — ONA
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