Mums call for remote work option, increased maternity leave

Facing challenges of balancing work and home, mothers hopeful new government initiatives will help

From work-life balance concerns to rising living costs, parenthood in today's day and age comes with its own set of challenges.

Many mothers - who are citing these concerns as factors that prevent them from having bigger families are now hopeful new government initiatives can help.

Recently, the UAE introduced a slew of initiatives to support families. These include establishing the Ministry for Family Affairs, extended maternity leave in Abu Dhabi, and a special programme in Dubai.

Dubai resident Fatima AI Zarouni said long work hours discouraged many women from having more children. She called on private sector companies to reduce working hours for mothers, allow remote work and increase maternity leave.

While public sector employees can get up to 90 days off for maternity leave, most private sector workers get just 60 days.

"Not every mother can rely on the help of domestic workers.

The responsibilities of cooking, organising, and working for the children require immense effort," said Fatima.

Many families live in rented homes, she added, and with rising living costs, the pressure on mothers intensifies.