Spain to Offer 17 Weeks Parental Leave to Both Mothers & Fathers
In a significant move towards promoting gender equality and supporting new parents, Spain has announced plans to extend its parental leave policy to 17 weeks, with both mothers and fathers entitled to equal, fully-paid leave after the birth of their child. This new policy makes Spain one of the most generous parental leave providers in Europe, along with Finland, which is the only other EU country to offer equal, fully-paid birth leave to both parents.
The decision was announced on July 29, 2025, by Spain’s Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, who emphasized that the move is a step towards a more feminist society. “Spain is moving towards feminism…and there’d be no turning back,” she said in an interview.
Currently, Spain’s parental leave policy allows mothers to take up to 16 weeks of fully-paid leave, while fathers are entitled to one week of paid leave. The new policy will extend the leave period for fathers to 17 weeks, making it equal to the leave period for mothers. This significant change aims to promote greater sharing of parental responsibilities and encourage men to take on a more active role in childcare.
The new policy is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of new families in Spain, allowing both parents to spend quality time with their newborn, bond, and adjust to their new roles. It will also contribute to promoting gender equality and challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
Research has shown that extended parental leave can have numerous benefits for families, including improved mental and physical health, increased job satisfaction, and better work-life balance. Moreover, it can also have a positive impact on the economy, as it can reduce the cost of childcare and increase the number of women in the workforce.
The Spanish government’s decision to extend parental leave is part of a broader effort to promote gender equality and address the country’s gender pay gap, which is one of the highest in the EU. The government has also introduced measures to improve work-life balance, increase the representation of women in the workforce, and promote women’s participation in decision-making roles.
Spain’s move towards more generous parental leave is in line with the EU’s efforts to promote gender equality and support working families. The EU has set a target of increasing the share of women in the workforce to 60% by 2030, and has introduced measures to promote work-life balance, such as the right to request flexible working arrangements.
The news has been welcomed by both parents and advocacy groups, who see it as a step towards a more equal and supportive society. “This is a huge step forward for Spanish families and for feminism,” said a spokesperson for the feminist organization, Mujeres en la Ciencia. “It’s a recognition that parenting is a shared responsibility and that both mothers and fathers should have the same opportunities to care for their children.”
In conclusion, Spain’s decision to offer 17 weeks of parental leave to both mothers and fathers is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and supporting new families. It sets an important precedent for other EU countries and sends a strong message that both parents should have equal opportunities to care for their children. As the Minister of Equality emphasized, “Spain is moving towards feminism…and there’d be no turning back.”
