CS-SUNN seeks 6-month paid maternity leave in Katsina

The Secretary, Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Katsina chapter, Abdulrahman Abdullahi, has called for the adoption of six-month paid maternity leave for working mothers.

Abdullahi made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairperson of the Katsina State Committee on Nutrition, Rukayya Hamza-Usman.

He said the advocacy became necessary to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices, maternal health and child nutrition across the state.

Abdullahi added that CS-SUN and other stakeholders were already engaging relevant authorities and lawmakers to ensure the policy received the needed legislative backing.

He noted that the current maternity leave period could be expanded through sustained advocacy and collaboration with government institutions and development partners.

Abdullahi said the quickest approach to implementing the policy would be through an executive bill transmitted by the state government to the state house of assembly.

He stressed the need to involve key stakeholders, including the State Executive Council, legislators and the office of the Head of Service, to ensure smooth passage of the bill.

According to him, the state nutrition intervention committee has already recommended six-month paid maternity leave as part of measures aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

He explained that some people might consider the number of beneficiaries insignificant, the long-term benefits to children, families and society were enormous.

According to him, many mothers face challenges balancing work and childcare responsibilities, hence the need for legislative measures to address the situation.

Abdullahi further called for increased public awareness and mindset change among women and employers to support the proposed policy.

In her response, Hamza-Usman commended the CS-SUN officials for their continued advocacy and engagement with policymakers on issues affecting women and children in the state.

She expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration among stakeholders, the proposed six-month paid maternity leave policy would soon become a reality in Katsina State.

She reiterated that providing adequate time for mothers after childbirth would significantly contribute to better nutrition, healthier children and improved family wellbeing.

The committee’s chairperson further reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving nutrition indices and maternal wellbeing.

She said the committee would continue to work with relevant stakeholders and development partners to strengthen policies that support women and children.

Hamza-Usman added that the issue of extending maternity leave would be communicated to the appropriate authorities for consideration.

She emphasised the importance of collective efforts in addressing malnutrition and promoting healthy living among families in the state.