Conclusion :The road to reforming Ethiopia's policies on maternity and paternity leave?

In conclusion, reforming Ethiopia's policies on maternity and paternity leave is crucial for promoting gender equality, improving maternal and child health outcomes, and supporting working parents. While progress has been made with the introduction of maternity leave, there is a need to extend the duration and ensure its enforcement. Additionally, the introduction of paternity leave is essential to encourage fathers' involvement in childcare and promote a more equitable division of caregiving responsibilities.

To achieve these reforms, it is important for the Ethiopian government to prioritize the issue and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including employers, trade unions, and civil society organizations. Public awareness campaigns can help challenge societal norms and stereotypes around gender roles and caregiving, while also highlighting the benefits of parental leave for families, businesses, and society as a whole.

Furthermore, financial support mechanisms, such as paid leave and social security benefits, should be put in place to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that all parents can take advantage of their leave entitlements. This may require budgetary allocations and policy adjustments to accommodate the costs associated with implementing these reforms.

Overall, reforming Ethiopia's policies on maternity and paternity leave requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that addresses legal, cultural, and financial barriers. By doing so, Ethiopia can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for working parents, contributing to the well-being of families and the overall development of the country.