Vodafone announced today that it will become one of the first organisations in the world to introduce a mandatory minimum global maternity policy. By the end of 2015, women working at all levels across Vodafone’s 30 operating companies in  Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region and the US will be offered at least 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave, as well as full pay for a 30-hour week for the first six months after their return to work.

Other than the United Nations, very few global organisations – and even fewer multinational corporations – have adopted minimum maternity policies of this kind. While a number of Vodafone subsidiaries already offer substantial maternity care terms which will continue as before, the new mandatory minimum global maternity policy will make a significant difference to the lives of thousands of Vodafone women employees in countries where there is little or no legislative requirement to provide maternity support.

Vodafone Group Chief Executive Vittorio Colao, said: “Too many talented women leave working life because they face a difficult choice between either caring for a new born baby or maintaining their careers. Our new mandatory minimum global maternity policy will support over 1,000 Vodafone women employees every year in countries with little or no statutory maternity care. 

“Women account for 35% of our employees worldwide but only 21% of our international senior leadership team. We believe our new maternity policy will play an important role in helping to bridge that gap. Supporting working mothers at all levels of our organisation will ultimately result in better decisions, a better culture and a deeper understanding of our customers’ needs.”

In line with this coordinated effort being driven by Vodafone  Group, Vodafone Malta will very shortly be announcing substantive enhancements to its own maternity leave policy which will significantly improve current conditions for its female employees.