Last year about 3,000 fathers benefited from their right to take paternity leaves and collect corresponding benefits, which averaged at 4,392 lei. This was announced at a roundtable dedicated to work and family life reconciliation, held to mark the International Day of Families today.
Paternity leave is described by the authorities as “an important step taken by Moldova towards strengthening families and advancing their rights”. The two-week leave can be taken within the first 56 days of the baby’s birth, so that the father can spend these precious first days at home with the family. “This way, we achieve reciprocity within the family”, explained Viorica Dumbrăveanu, Social Assistance State Secretary.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection said in a press release that as of 1 January 2019, the childbirth allowance increased to 6,303 lei. In the first quarter of this year, over 6,000 such benefits were paid. Also, the monthly supplement for twins or multiples increased from 270 to 320 lei per child. Moreover, from the beginning of the year, some 13,000 maternity boxes with baby care items were offered as part of A New Life Program.
The International Day of Families is celebrated to underscore the importance of families and to promote family values like equality, shared responsibility, love, respect, and zero-tolerance for any forms of violence against women, children and the elderly.