UNDP Resident Representative endorses paternity leave in Jamaica

Jamaica is being encouraged to grant Paternity Leave to working fathers of newborns by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Bruno Pouezat who disclosed that UNDP has adopted the gender-inclusive policy in the Jamaica country office and across the world with good results.

“In our local office, men enjoy four weeks of paternity leave with full pay to support the mother, and care and bond with the new-born child,” Pouezat outlined.

“We encourage Jamaica to implement paternity leave because UNDP staff, men and women, can testify that paternity leave improves family life and boosts male responsibility.”

The UNDP Resident Representative was addressing the Amazing Men Awards ceremony in honour of International Men’s Day on November 19 at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters.

Four men from UNDP’s Rejuvenating Communities social cohesion project were honoured along with a number of men’s groups.

In lauding the Amazing Man Awards, Pouezat said prevailing negative must not be allowed to overshadow those men making a positive difference.

“It is important to signal to men who are doing the right thing that we see them, we appreciate them, and we need more of them,” he concluded.

He called for the individual and group awardees to become activists championing the equal, fair and respectful treatment of women, girls and children joining the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starting November 25.

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