Evaluation of Paid Leave Policies in Lithuania

Abstract

The article discusses the paid parental leave policy. It presents the legal regulation, the family support system in Lithuania and debates the assessment of the paid parental leave system from a gender equality perspective. An overview of the latest and most relevant scientific literature on family-friendly policies and paid parental leave is presented. Based on the Labour Force Survey (Eurostat LFS), Statistics Lithuania and the Social Fund Board (SODRA) data the main trends of parents with children in the labour market, and choices and estimates for paid maternity and paternity leave is analysed. The results of the research revealed that the system of paid parental leave in Lithuania is mainly aimed at compensating parents lost income, but does not provide equal opportunities for both parents to be equally involved in childcare and participate in labour market. This fact is also confirmed by statistics showing that twice as many women than men take paid parental leave, while the participation rate of women with young children is significantly decreasing. Mothers' and fathers' decisions to take parental leave are primarily driven by financial considerations resulting from lower benefits for mothers.