New support package for mothers heading to Parliament: Maternity leave extended, payments increased

A new draft law prepared to help women in Turkey participate more in working life and ensure they do not drop out of employment after having children will come to the Parliament's agenda after the Ramadan Feast. Among the highlights of the bill are the extension of maternity leave and the increase in financial support provided.

Research conducted in recent years indicates that female employment after childbirth has fallen significantly. It is observed that the majority of women who gave birth in Turkey in the last 10 years have left working life within one year. The primary reasons for women leaving their jobs after childbirth include childcare costs and insufficient salaries.

MATERNITY LEAVE EXTENDED WITH NEW REGULATION

With the proposed legislative change, the 16-week maternity leave applied to women working in both the public and private sectors will be increased to 24 weeks. The entire eight-week additional leave can be used after childbirth. Female employees will be able to continue working at their workplace until two weeks before birth.

Updates regarding paternity leave are also on the agenda. Paternity leave, which is currently 5 days, will be increased to 10 days, and foster families will also be ensured to benefit from this right. In addition, it is planned to provide financial support to mothers and their children who benefit from women's shelters for various reasons and do not have sufficient income.

The rights of women dismissed during maternity leave will also be secured. Female employees will gain the right to file a re-employment lawsuit along with severance and notice pay if they are dismissed without cause. In case of a violation of the principle of equal treatment, compensation of up to four months' wages may be claimed.

HIGH AMOUNT OF MATERNITY LEAVE PAYMENTS FOR MOTHERS

With the new law, there will also be a significant increase in maternity benefits. While 82 thousand 208 TL is currently paid to a mother during the 16-week (112-day) maternity leave period, it is aimed to increase this amount to at least 123 thousand 312 TL with the 24-week (168-day) leave. Depending on the mother's gross salary, while a mother with a 40 thousand TL income receives 149 thousand 333 TL under the current system, the payment amount will reach up to 336 thousand TL for a mother with a 90 thousand TL income.

Not only the payment amount but also the conditions and scope of birth assistance are being expanded. While a one-time support of 5 thousand TL has been offered for the first child since the beginning of 2025, a monthly payment of 1,500 TL is made for the second child, and 5 thousand TL per month for the third and subsequent children. So far, approximately 859 thousand women have benefited from regular birth assistance, and a total of 12 billion 77 million TL in support has been provided.

NEW PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN WOMEN'S PLACE IN EMPLOYMENT

The labor force participation rate of women increases with education. While this rate is around 38.5 percent for high school graduate women, it rises to 68.7 percent for university graduates. On the other hand, the employment rate for women with children under the age of three is measured at 26.9 percent.

The government plans to implement many new practices to support female employment, including new entrepreneurship projects, mentoring services, micro-credit opportunities, thematic regional development programs, and prototype development grants. In addition, it is aimed to increase the proportion of women working in high-level positions.

These updates to be made in maternity leave and support are expected to be an important step for women in Turkey to maintain both their family lives and their careers.