Representatives in discussion at the workshop. — VNS
HANOI (Vietnam News/Asia News Network): Experts concurred that the draft amended Law on Social Insurance should supplement maternity benefits in voluntary social insurance in a workshop on Wednesday (Oct 18) in Hanoi.
The workshop on expansion of maternity protection in Vietnam was co-organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).
It is held in response to the Vietnamese Women’s Day, which falls on Friday.
Representatives at the workshop said that the adjustment would connect social security policies with economic and employment policies, as well as child care services.
Speaking at the workshop, Caroline Nyamayemobe, acting representative of the UN Women in Vietmam, emphasised that when facing poverty or financial difficulties, women might not take maternity leave or have to return to work earlier than medically recommended.
By helping to protect women's employment and income during and after childbirth, maternity protection would ensure that women's reproductive role would not compromise their equal opportunities, economic, health and family security, she said.
Acknowledging Vietnam's superior policies on maternity leave and maternity benefits for workers covered by social insurance, Nyamayemobe noted the need to research more appropriate policies for women who are not eligible for compulsory social insurance, including informal workers who do not have access to maternity benefits.
Because without income from maternity benefits, women having to take time off work and facing increased expenses due to pregnancy, childbirth and child care will bring financial difficulties for most families.
Within the workshop’s framework, representatives shared experiences and successful lessons in expanding maternity benefits for women.
