Parental leave: equal opportunities for mothers and fathers

In Ukraine, both parents have the right to parental leave, and men can use it on equal terms with women. However, there are certain restrictions for military personnel.

Parental leave up to the age of three can be taken by both the mother and the father. The law does not distinguish between genders, the main condition is actual care for the child.

Lawyers focus on Article 179 of the Labor Code and Article 18 of the Law of Ukraine “On Leave”. The leave can also be granted to another relative if he is the one who is taking care of the child.

This means that one parent can stay at home with the child, while the other continues to work. If the leave is taken for the father, the one who is on “maternity leave” receives all the appropriate payments and guarantees.

It should be noted that only one person caring for the child can take advantage of the leave at a time. The duration of the leave is up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension up to 6 years in case of medical indications. Registration is carried out through the employer.

It is important to remember that being on parental leave is not a reason for exemption from mobilization. The presence of a “decree” does not give the right to a postponement of the draft.

Only certain categories of men can be exempted from mobilization, for example, those who are raising a child on their own or have three or more minors in their care.

Different rules apply to military personnel: parental leave is usually not provided for, but short-term leaves are possible due to family circumstances.

Thus, Ukrainian legislation ensures equal rights of parents in caring for a child, but does not cancel military duties during martial law.

The Verkhovna Rada also considered a draft of the new Labor Code, which proposes to reduce parental leave from three years to four months.