Bill 3935/2008, which gradually increases paternity leave to up to 20 days, despite representing an advance in legislation, is late and does not bring significant changes to the status of women as the main – or only – caregivers of babies and children.. The assessment is by sociologist and psychoanalyst Marta Bergamin, from the São Paulo School of Sociology and Politics Foundation. The project was approved by the Chamber of Deputieson Tuesday (4). 
“In Brazil, we still have very established male and female roles. They are marked in general sociability, but they are also marked especially in the job market. Women take care of children, babies, and men would be more focused on public activities, such as the world of work and politics”, explains Bergamin.
She also states that it is necessary to increase the involvement of parents as caregivers in order to value the care and development of babies and children.
“In Brazil, we spend very little time thinking about children, the place of children in society, that they are the future generations and that we need to think about education, the baby’s initial care and the formation of bonds,” he said.
“These 20 days already change a little, but not in this division of the double working day [das mulheres]in which they are seen in this role of caring for children. Women are seen in these care tasks, in family sociability, especially”, he added.
According to Bergamin, in Brazil, the patriarchal and sexist characteristics of society are obstacles to the advancement of agendas like this.
The sociologist points out that, in other countries, there are more extensive parental leaves that can be divided between those responsible for the baby.
“These are larger licenses and can often be shared. [Então] a couple can choose, according to their professional moments and desires, who will stay [de licença]and they can also share this time.”
Parental leave
Sociologist and professor Rafael da Costa, who will soon become a father, celebrates the approval of the law, but with reservations. “I think the license is an advance that comes relatively late in Brazil. In Europe, this discussion has been going on for a long time. We are late, but we have to celebrate the advances regardless of the situation.”
Costa cites the case of Germany, where parental leave already exists, which is given to both father and mother and lasts three years. In this case, the parents agree among themselves how to use this period of time.
“I think that here in Brazil we could try more advanced models as a reference.”
It also raises the fear that extended paternity leave may, eventually, not work perfectly as it is a benefit granted to those who have formal employment. “The law is for those who are CLTs. For those outside this link, it does not apply in practice. In a country with high informality, this law may not have the desired effect. This is an important point of attention”, he states.
Positive impact
In addition to its social importance, the 20-day paternity leave also has economic relevance, says economist Euzébio Sousa.
“It has a more relevant and positive impact on the labor market. Inequality in access to work still heavily penalizes women, who receive lower wages, face greater barriers to progression and are more exposed to precarious relationships, such as part-time employment or informality.”
According to the economist, this happens because they are the ones who take on most of the care work and domestic activities. “When we include parents in care activities during the first days, and ideally the first months, of a baby’s life, we signal to the job market that both men and women are equally subject to taking time off from work due to family responsibilities”, he says.
Sousa concludes by reaffirming the importance of the measure approved in Brasília this week, which combines social justice and economics. “The expansion of paternity leave combines social justice and an economic development strategy. By allowing fathers to share care for their children, it reduces gender inequalities, favors increased productivity and signals to the market that work and care are collective responsibilities, not just female.”
Banking
Still in the field of economy and work, the category of bank employees in São Paulo, Osasco and the region is well ahead of many others in this issue of extended 20-day paternity leave.
This right was won by these professionals almost ten years ago, in the 2016 national campaign and, since then, it has been guaranteed by the Collective Labor Convention (CCT).
“The expansion of paternity leave was a great achievement of the banking union movement. It is beneficial for parents and children, who now have more time for interaction and care. Furthermore, it contributes to a better division between men and women in parental obligations”, said, in a note, Neiva Ribeiro, president of the Bank Workers’ Union of São Paulo, Osasco and Region.
