Women on parental leave are "forgotten"

On 12 Sept. 2008, the Work Research Institute (Arbeidsforskningsinstituttet) submitted a research report titled "Consequences of pregnancy and exercise of parental leave in Norwegian employment practice" to the Minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt. The report is part of the ministry's efforts to combat workplace discrimination against pregnant women and those exercising parental leave. The intention is to create a solid foundation for developing and implementing effective anti-discrimination measures.

"The report shows that many women are kept out of important work projects while they are pregnant and lose job assignments after ending their leaves. Though this is not always a conscious act by the employer, it's still serious. We must get employers to change their attitudes," says Minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt.

"The study also shows that it's not only women who experience challenges associated with parental leave," the minister notes. "Men may be seen as disloyal by their employer if they take more the mandatory weeks of leave."
"Norwegian mothers and fathers want the opportunity to be able to combine work and family life. If the employers don't make it easier to do this, they will risk losing valuable professional competence."