Muscat,
(ONA) —- The United Nations organizations 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 the Omani government, represented by the Social Protection Fund (SPF) in launching the new Maternity Leave (ML) scheme for the Omani and non-Omani workforce in the public and private sectors.
The newly launched ML scheme provides working mothers in both the public and private sectors with 98 days of fully paid maternity leave, including the option to commence leave 14 days prior to the expected delivery date.
“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) emphasized that reproductive health is fundamental to equal economic and social participation. Prioritizing 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% of the global workforce, and workplaces that accommodate women’s needs benefit everyone. It added that Oman Vision 2040 prioritizes 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 emphasizes 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, emphasized “the importance of the mother’s presence in the first months of her child’s life, as this early period is crucial in shaping the child’s future health, emotional, and social wellbeing.”
Paid maternity leave is associated with an increase in the number of regular visits for monitoring child growth and a rise in global immunization 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.
