European Union (EU)-funded Zantchito Skills for Jobs Programme labour law expert Rodgers Matsikidze says the labour law review has proposed a reduction in the frequency of maternity leave from three to two years.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of a stakeholders validation workshop for the reviewed labour laws in Blantyre, he said the change will ensure that women are not discriminated against because of gender.
Under the current law, women can go on maternity leave once every three years.
“We are looking at maternity leave so that it should be reduced from three years to two years so that women must enjoy their maternity leave,” said Matsikidze.
He said the new law also proposes special sick leave for women who fall ill during their maternity leave.
“We have agreed that women will go for 12 weeks paid maternity leave and also if one gets sick while on maternity leave they get an extra 30 days. That will be a huge win for the women of Malawi,” said Matsikidze.
Ministry of Labour director of legal services Ofwa Alide said the proposed laws will help Malawi’s laws to align with international labour standards.
“They [proposed amendments] provide clearer rules on contracts, working hours, overtime, wages, sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave,” she said.
Alide said the new labour laws will define how fixed-term contracts can be renewed “so that workers are not trapped in endless short-term employment”.
Employers’ Consultative Association of Malawi vice-president Richard Tchereko said the process of reviewing labour laws was necessary so that the legislation should match the country’s aspirations under Vision 2063.
Malawi Congress of Trade Unions representative Ronald Mbewe said the consultation in reviewing the Employment Act (2000) and Labour Relations Act (1996) will help in filling the gaps that have been existing in the labour laws.
Funded by the EU Zantchito Skills for Jobs Programme, the reviewseeks to support the Malawi economy with skilled professionals and decent jobs and self-employment opportunities.
