US EditionItaly votes down equal parental leave while fathers redefine their role online
Parliament rejected an equal leave proposal by 137 votes to 117 as a growing group of fathers posts daily childcare online.
- Italy's parliament rejected a proposal in February to equalize maternity and paternity leave, maintaining five months for maternity and only 10 days for paternity leave, citing budget concerns.
- Despite the parliamentary decision, Italian fathers like Diego Di Franco are becoming 'dad influencers' on social media, sharing childcare roles traditionally done by mothers and encouraging paternal involvement.
- Female employment in Italy is low at 53% in 2024, with one of the widest gender employment gaps in Europe; many women quit work voluntarily after childbirth, reflecting the 'child penalty' and impacting economic growth amid an aging population.
- Studies show countries like Spain with extended, non-transferable paternity leave have increased father participation and narrowed the gender pay gap, while Italian lawmakers cite financial and administrative concerns about similar reforms, although private extended leave increases uptake among younger fathers.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Italy votes down equal parental leave while fathers redefine their role online
Every afternoon in a Milan suburb, Diego Di Franco picks up his children from school, manages after‑school activities and prepares dinner, tasks traditionally associated with Italian mothers. The routine is unremarkable in Italy, except that he is a father and he shares it online.
In Italy, women do most of the care work, leading to great inequality between men and women in the labour market. So-called Dad influencers now change the picture of paternity. Video: watsonIn Italy, women do most of the care work, which leads to great inequality between men and women in the labour market. So-called Dad influencers, however, now change the picture of paternity. In the third largest economy in the eurozone, a proposal to align ma…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
