Abu Dhabi: During a virtual session held by the Federal National Council (FNC) on Thursday, participants, including doctors, researchers, specialists, and parents, raised concerns about the challenges faced by families in the UAE, particularly with respect to long working hours, maternity leave, and the high cost of living. The session saw the participation of around 100 individuals and was aimed at discussing factors affecting fertility rates in the country.
Mothers, in particular, voiced their concerns regarding the limited time available to spend with their children due to long working hours. Many pointed out that the insufficient maternity leave also has a significant impact on their mental and physical well-being, as well as on their ability and desire to conceive. Financial strain and the lack of adequate support to build stable families were also highlighted as key challenges.
Work-Life Balance and Fertility Rates
A recurring theme throughout the session was the difficulty mothers face in balancing work and family life. In particular, Fatima Al Zarouni, a Dubai resident, shared her concerns about the limited maternity leave available to private sector employees, which is capped at 60 days. In contrast, public sector employees are entitled to up to 90 days of maternity leave. Al Zarouni suggested that reducing working hours, allowing more flexible work options such as remote work, and extending maternity leave would help alleviate the challenges faced by working mothers.
Social media and the portrayal of marriage and family life were also discussed, with some specialists noting how media influence often discourages individuals from starting families, further exacerbating the fertility issue. Additionally, health professionals raised concerns about pre-existing health conditions like thyroid problems, which can impact a woman's ability to conceive, resulting in the need for medical interventions.
Government Initiatives
In response to these concerns, the UAE government has recently introduced initiatives aimed at supporting families, including the establishment of the Ministry for Family Affairs, extended maternity leave in Abu Dhabi, and a special programme in Dubai. These measures are designed to alleviate some of the pressures on families, providing better work-life balance and enhancing fertility rates in the country.
FNC member Naema Al Sharhan emphasized the importance of addressing these factors and proposed solutions to improve the fertility rate. The session served as a platform for citizens to share their concerns and for government officials to hear first-hand the challenges faced by families, helping to shape future policies aimed at fostering a more supportive environment for raising children.
As the UAE grapples with issues surrounding fertility rates, experts and mothers alike agree that improving family policies, such as extending maternity leave and reducing working hours, could be vital steps in supporting a growing population.
