Over the years, the discourse centering on the empowerment of women in their political, social, and health status has found some measure of success. Global movements and labour laws have been tweaked to push for gender equality and sustainable development. However, one area has stayed grey: how much time is enough for a maternal leave from work?In many African countries, the answer is shocking. Nigeria, for example, permits an inadequate sixteen weeks as recuperation time for mother and child. But what seems insufficient for Nigeria would be generous for new mothers in countries like Zambia, Ghana, and Kenya who allow for a meagre twelve weeks. Well, at least they are paid.
