Maternity Leave Reform

Abstract

Current legislative gaps regarding maternity leave expose self-employed women to considerable financial and health risks during pregnancy and early parenthood. Women play a key role in the sustainable transition of agriculture and in fostering the development of innovative, resilient rural communities. When it comes to rural women specifically, the FLIARA study finds that statutory maternity pays and leave for self-employed women are essential for them to realise their innovative ideas and reduce interruptions in entrepreneurial activities. Urgent reform of German federal maternity leave legislation is necessary to improve the quality of life and job opportunities in rural regions.