An Evaluation of South Africa's Maternity and Parental Benefits Legislation in Light of the International Labour Organisation's Maternity Protection Convention and Recommendation

Abstract

Maternity and parental benefits legislation impacts on one of the most important pillars in society as it plays a role in family life, the rights of women, and gender equality. It will be beneficial to any country to benchmark its own legislation in this regard against international standards and norms, as one cannot just assume that national legislation is in line with international standards. South Africa is part of the international community, and if South Africa wants to take its seat and play a role in international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), it is important that South Africa as country adhere to international standards and ILO Conventions.