Uzbekistan is set to introduce paid paternity leave for men for the first time upon the birth of a child.

A bill titled "On Amendments and Additions to the Labor Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan" has been introduced in the lower house of parliament, aimed at enhancing the principles of equality in labor rights, prohibiting discrimination, coercion, and violence in the labor and employment sectors, writes UzA.

The draft includes provisions regarding the provision of short-term paid leave for working men at the time of their child's birth to assist their spouses and care for other children.

According to deputy Nodir Tilaavoldiev, such leaves have not been stipulated in national legislation until now, leading to difficulties for men in balancing professional and family responsibilities, or forcing them to take unpaid leave.

“Gender equality encompasses not only women but also men. For the first time, this bill stipulates that men can take a paid five-day leave within one month after the birth of a child to assist their spouse. This can also be seen as a logical continuation of the reforms being implemented in the area of gender equality,” the deputy stated.