A Changing World No one was offered maternity leave a century ago because the only jobs that mothers had were unregulated ones. Now, virtually every nation has a maternity leave policy, revised every decade or so. As of 2012 only Australia, Iceland, and Canada offered policies reflecting gender equality. That may be the next innovation in many nations.
Source: ILO Database on Conditions of Work and Employment Laws, 2011.
Note: In some cases, leave can be shared between parents or other family members.
Note: In some cases, leave can be shared between parents or other family members.