Photocall: Extend Maternity Leave 2020

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

NWCI and a group of new mothers will hold a Photocall outside the Dail on Tuesday 7 July 2020 at 11am.

Women who were on maternity leave during Covid-19 did not have access to the usual supports, and are calling for a one-off extension to maternity leave and pay. The photocall follows a positive response to their demand from then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, on June 11 2020, after the women handed in a petition signed by 28,000 people.

In many cases, women gave birth without a partner or loved one present, and faced into motherhood without family or professional support. Babies have missed developmental checks, vital scans, hospital appointments and even vaccinations have been cancelled or delayed. There is a real urgency to this situation, as many of the women impacted are due back at work in the next week or two. Many may be forced to resign from their jobs due to the lack of childcare available for this age group.

Women affected by this issue will be present with their babies and available for interview, and there will be a photocall with a prop. We are asking TDs and Senators join us outside Leinster House to show their support. 

Starts: 7 July 2020 11:00
Ends: 7 July 2020 12:00
Location: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2