Feasibility of maternity leave extension to 180 days in Thailand Nisachol Cetthakrikul, B.Sc, M.Sc....
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Feasibility of maternity leave extension to 180 days in Thailand Nisachol Cetthakrikul , B.Sc, M.Sc. International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Thailand 26 th March 2014
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Transcript of Feasibility of maternity leave extension to 180 days in Thailand Nisachol Cetthakrikul, B.Sc, M.Sc....
Feasibility of maternity leave extension to 180 days in Thailand
Nisachol Cetthakrikul , B.Sc, M.Sc.
International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Thailand
26th March 2014
OUTLINE
Background and objective
Methods
Findings
Conclusion and policy recommendations
3 keys takeaway for policy advocacy
Background
WHO recommends 6 months EBF,
According to Thai labour laws, females in the formal sector
have their rights to take 90 days maternity leave,
The resolution of the 3rd National Health Assembly in
Thailand in 2010,
180-days maternity leave tends to increase chance for
mothers and their child being together.
EBF rate in Thailand
Source: Breast feeding survey project ,IHPP, 2013
Why don’t Thai mothers breastfeed their child for 6 months?
Source: Breast feeding survey project ,IHPP, 2013
OBJECTIVE
To explore possibility of maternity leave extension from 90 days to 180 days
Methods
Samples: 29 government hospitals in five regions; North, South, West, East, Central and BKK.
Conceptual Framework
Policy makerGovernment officer
Laws/Policy
FindingsWhy did mother return to work earlier?
Impact of maternity leave extension
Recommendations from stakeholders
Recommendations from stakeholders (if we cannot achieve 180 days maternity leave)
Selected quotations
From employer
“If employees take maternity leave, other staff who work with them will have more workload”
From employee
“Government must guarantee income during maternity leave period”
From policy makers / other stakeholders
“She has to return to work so she cannot breastfeed her baby properly, but she dose not like to feed with formula as well because it is very expensive”
Conclusions
There is a lack of policy support and consensus among key stakeholders regarding 180 days maternity leave extension in Thailand,
Stakeholders suggest other policies such as – BF corner and day-care center, – longer breaking period and reduce working hour for
postpartum women.
3 Key Takeaways for Policy Advocacy
1. Effective law enforcement
2. Financial implications on employers and employees
3. Explore other social determinants on maternity leave in Thailand
Acknowledgement
UNICEF – Thailand,
National Health Commission Office (NHCO),
Health Promotion Policy Research Center (HPR),
Food and Nutrition Policy for Health Promotion (FHP),
Thai Breastfeeding Center Foundation
THANK YOU!
