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Date : July 24, 2015
Female Workers Extension of Marital Leave

North Korea recently extended the maternity leave of female workers by 90 days. The original 90 day maternity leave policy has been extended to 180 days of holiday for the new mothers.

North Koreas state-run news agency, KCNK, released the following statement, This kind of amendment in the law holds great meaning as it will lead to even more social benefits for women. In addition, it used a North Korean lawyers opinion saying that this policy shows that the North Korean government is further recognizing the importance of women in society.

However, defectors have expressed doubts regarding the effectiveness of the policy. A defector, who used to be a Workers Party member, who came to South Korea from Pyongyang in 2010, said, Since less than five percent of woman in their childbearing years are currently now employed in state factories, farms, or companies, I am not sure how many women in North Korea can utilize fully the maternity leave, 180 days in total.

She added that, Furthermore, it is useless for other women because they are busy managing their own jangmadang (market) trades and farming private vegetable gardens.

Additionally, experts on North Korea, especially those who came from North Korea, estimate that few women could benefit from the policy because in practice, less than 30 percent of factories and companies are currently running in North Korea.


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