Women in RAK happy to get extra month’s maternity leave after government ruling

Fully paid maternity leave increased to three months to allow extra time with babies at a vital stage of development.

RAS AL KHAIMAH // Working women are grateful that RAK Government has amended maternity rules so that new mothers will now get three months of fully paid leave to spend with their newborn.

A teacher working at Al Dhait School, on the outskirts of RAK city, said the amendment gives the mother and newborn more time together at a vital stage of development.

“Everybody was extremely happy and glad after receiving this great news. Our role as mothers is as important as our rule in serving the community and this proves how our leaders appreciate our contribution in both,” said Sheikha Al Shahi, a 32-year-old Emirati mother of five who works as an English teacher at the school.

“I faced a lot of issues as well as many other working mothers in the first few months after giving birth as not all of us have a place to keep the baby. Some of us live far away from their families and this extra month will give us more time to spend with our newborn until they are big enough to be placed in a nursery.”

Another teacher at Al Dhait School said that maternity leave used to be only 40 days in RAK but it was increased to two months and now it is up to three.

“Honestly, I believe that the first few months are very important in the child’s life and being next to him or her is an essential thing and a duty to each mother. We all appreciate this decision,” said Alya Al Noaymi, a 36-year-old mother of four and fellow English teacher.

“Forty days was not enough as the baby still needs extra attention and the mother’s care during his first weeks.”

Ms Al Noaymi said that a baby’s immune system would be much stronger by three months.

“That will make it easier and safer to leave them in a day care centre,” she said.

The manager of the community programme at Ras Al Khaimah Police said that the move will encourage pregnant woman to keep their jobs after birth and so they are still offering a contribution to society.

“This decision will encourage us as working mothers and give us the chance to give more to our family and the community. We appreciate this initiative as it proves that our role is important and appreciated,” said First Lieutenant Mozah Al Khabouri, a 40-year-old Emirati mother of four.

“This also proves that we are the country of happiness and that our leaders provide all the means to make us happy, proud and grateful.”

RAK’s decision is in response to the directives of the UAE Gender Balance Council, which wants to see more of a balance between the sexes in government departments. The council was launched by Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, to develop policies that support working women to contribute to the community dynamically.

Mia Harvey, a mother who lives and works in RAK, praised the emirate’s government for addressing the issue.

“I think it is a great move by the government to address a much debated subject head on and make immediate changes to the previous maternity leave structure.

“Before I had my son this year I was really none the wiser on the six weeks allowance and felt it was more than enough time to recover and return to work. Luckily I had a straight forward and uncomplicated birth and after two weeks away from the office I was already getting itchy feet to go back.

“What is amazing is that women are now given the option of the three months, which for some, especially those with more complicated or multiple births, will be a God send. There are many great reasons for living and working in RAK and this move definitely puts another feather in the cap.”