Stakeholders Seek Extension Of Maternity Leave From Three To Six Months In Kebbi
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
At a one day policy dialogue by stakeholders on nutrition, experts have agreed that to invest in nutrition is crucial for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
A non governmental organization (NGO), known as Civil Society – Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria ( CS-SUN), in a communique at the end of their one day meeting in Birnin-Kebbi expressed that, stunting is associated with poor brain development which reduces productivity in adulthood is a concern in Kebbi State.
Pointing out that 66.1 per cent of children under five are stunted, 46.4 per cent underweight and 12.3 per cent wasted, whereby a concerted efforts are required.
During the dialogue, it was advanced that to secure commitment from policymakers in implementation of a six months maternity leave with pay for productive age, secure commitment for adequate and prompt release of nutrition funds in Kebbi State.
Participants at the dialogue also highlighted that extended maternity leave can lead to higher job satisfaction and improved productivity as well as strengthening family bonds.
The importance of continuous engagement with all stakeholders was emphasized as participants called for a robust advocacy to raise awareness about the benefits of extended maternity leave and to garner both public and political support.
Stakeholders also resolved to work closely with the Kebbi State government to ensure smooth implementation of the extended maternity leave policy, advocacy visits to relevant MDAs for budgetary allocation and release of funds.
They also seek to seek the governor’s wife to champion breastfeeding leveraging on WBW, develop, and SOP that will articulate the issues and advocacy.
