Gender inequality remains a contentious issue in the workplace while most workplaces are still operating on the male as a breadwinner model. The introduction of shared parental leave has seen very little shift toward gender equality. This study investigates why take up of shared parental leave remains low and what impact breastfeeding might have on it. The research focused on Higher Education Institutions policies on shared parental leave and breastfeeding, and experiences of mothers working in UK Higher Education institutions. The study found that in most Higher Education Institutions:

– Shared parental leave policy is lengthy and complicated with no practical examples to enhance understanding.

– Most institutions do not have adequate resources to support breastfeeding mothers.

– General lack of awareness or support from employers towards mothers wishing to take shared parental leave.

– General lack of support for women going and returning from maternity leave.

In this webinar, we present findings and implications for employers, employees, and gender equality. This webinar will be particularly beneficial to all HR personnel’s, EDI leads, Athena Swan Leads, Advance HE Athena Swan and staff working in UK Higher Education Institutions.

How to Join

This event will be hosted on Zoom. The Zoom joining link will be emailed to all ticketholders 48 hours before the event. A further reminder email, containing the joining link, will be sent to all attendees 1 hour before the event is due to start.