[Czechia] Fathers seeking extended parental leave

In the Czech Republic, an increasing number of men are expressing a desire to spend more time with their children as the fatherhood role evolves. New research has revealed that three-quarters of fathers in Czechia would take two months of parental leave; something which is required by an EU directive but yet to be implemented in the country, Expats.cz reports.

A Czech organisation dedicated to men's issues - the League of Open Men - reported a significant increase in men's engagement in childcare and their evolving priorities within families over the past decade. Fathers in the country are becoming increasingly involved in a number of aspects of child-rearing, such as accompanying children to doctor visits, purchasing groceries and caring for children when they’re unwell.

The involvement of Czech fathers in evening hygiene routines has reportedly risen from 15 per cent in 2010 to 31 per cent in 2020, according to data the organisation shared. And more men are prioritising family over work, with 71 per cent now valuing family time over their careers, compared to 56 per cent in 2010. The change is said to reflect changing societal expectations in the Czech Republic and to highlight the wish of fathers to play an active role in their children's lives.

Support for fathers

To encourage fathers’ greater involvement in childcare, employers in Czechia have begun to offer extended paternity leave beyond the allocated two-week period. 

A significant factor affecting parental leave uptake is the amount of parental allowance; lower-income individuals, often women, reportedly tend to remain on leave. Data from other countries demonstrates that non-transferable portions of parental leave designated for fathers can promote their participation.

EU member states were required to ensure two months of non-transferable parental leave for fathers by August 2, 2022, according to a 2019 directive. Yet implementation in the Czech Republic is still pending. In addition to improved legislation, financial incentives and flexibility in how parental leave can be taken play a huge part in motivating fathers to take an active part in caring for their children.

Campaigning for change

To mark Father's Day, the League of Open Men - in collaboration with educational platform M.ARTER - launched a social media campaign intended to promote active fatherhood by sharing real stories from fathers who have taken parental leave and continue to be engaged in their children's lives.

Only around two per cent of men in the Czech Republic reportedly take optional parental leave at present. This primarily stems from financial concerns and societal perceptions of fatherhood. According to the initiative, its aim is to help fathers find inspiration, support and encouragement to take a more active role in parenting and build stronger bonds with their children.

Source: Expats.cz

(Links via original reporting)

In the Czech Republic, an increasing number of men are expressing a desire to spend more time with their children as the fatherhood role evolves. New research has revealed that three-quarters of fathers in Czechia would take two months of parental leave; something which is required by an EU directive but yet to be implemented in the country, Expats.cz reports.

A Czech organisation dedicated to men's issues - the League of Open Men - reported a significant increase in men's engagement in childcare and their evolving priorities within families over the past decade. Fathers in the country are becoming increasingly involved in a number of aspects of child-rearing, such as accompanying children to doctor visits, purchasing groceries and caring for children when they’re unwell.

The involvement of Czech fathers in evening hygiene routines has reportedly risen from 15 per cent in 2010 to 31 per cent in 2020, according to data the organisation shared. And more men are prioritising family over work, with 71 per cent now valuing family time over their careers, compared to 56 per cent in 2010. The change is said to reflect changing societal expectations in the Czech Republic and to highlight the wish of fathers to play an active role in their children's lives.

Support for fathers

To encourage fathers’ greater involvement in childcare, employers in Czechia have begun to offer extended paternity leave beyond the allocated two-week period. 

A significant factor affecting parental leave uptake is the amount of parental allowance; lower-income individuals, often women, reportedly tend to remain on leave. Data from other countries demonstrates that non-transferable portions of parental leave designated for fathers can promote their participation.

EU member states were required to ensure two months of non-transferable parental leave for fathers by August 2, 2022, according to a 2019 directive. Yet implementation in the Czech Republic is still pending. In addition to improved legislation, financial incentives and flexibility in how parental leave can be taken play a huge part in motivating fathers to take an active part in caring for their children.

Campaigning for change

To mark Father's Day, the League of Open Men - in collaboration with educational platform M.ARTER - launched a social media campaign intended to promote active fatherhood by sharing real stories from fathers who have taken parental leave and continue to be engaged in their children's lives.

Only around two per cent of men in the Czech Republic reportedly take optional parental leave at present. This primarily stems from financial concerns and societal perceptions of fatherhood. According to the initiative, its aim is to help fathers find inspiration, support and encouragement to take a more active role in parenting and build stronger bonds with their children.

Source: Expats.cz

(Links via original reporting)