Thomas Phinemann

Gleaner Writer

Paternity leave has been raised time and time again and brushed aside as not worthy of consideration. But it is time to address the matter once and for all.

Men should be granted one month's paternity leave with pay. This would give them time to bond with their children in the initial stages and help support the new mother as well.

If we are not only paying lip service to family life, paternity leave is imperative. We cannot build a better Jamaica without providing the support that men need to play our part in creating stronger families, the foundation on which a prosperous nation is built.

great deal of pressure

Men come under a great deal of pressure when there is a new-born in the family. Men are the ones who care for both mother and baby when they get home from the hospital. They also have to do the chores that female partners would normally do before giving birth. Some women fall ill during pregnancy and we go through a very stressful period before and after childbirth. Men are the ones who are up at night changing diapers, feeding both mother and baby sometimes.

Men aren't whining and complaining. All some of us are saying is that we need leave too. Even one month is enough for us.

We have been socialised to believe that men should be tough. Any sign of breaking under pressure emotional, physical or otherwise, is treated with disdain and some of us would rather take our lives than let anyone know that we are hurting, and that we have needs that are not being met.

Many men tell themselves that they should stand up like men and pretend that all is well even when they are dying. Showing any sign of weakness is anathema. But it is time to break free from the shackles of oppression; and let our needs be known. We have feelings too.

multiple partners

It is true that some men have multiple partners and numerous children and would be perpetually on leave, if all men are allowed paternity leave with pay. This is no reason to deny responsible men the opportunity to have paternity leave with pay. Perhaps we could limit the number of times a man can be granted paternity leave with pay during his working life.

It may be argued that men might abuse the system by lying about fathering a child. All we need to do is to put proper checks and balances in placeby asking men to provide proof that they need paternity leave.

It is time to correct the gender rights imbalance in contemporary society where paternity leave is concerned. Let's start now!

Got a mouthful on paternity leave? We are all ears! Email columns@gleanerjm.com.