In a striking demonstration of their campaign for better paternity leave, activists from the group Dad Shift have attached lifesize model babies in slings to prominent statues across central London. This dramatic protest aims to draw attention to the UK’s inadequate paternity leave policies, which are among the least generous in Europe.
The campaign, which features model babies slung to statues of notable figures such as engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, actors Laurence Olivier and Gene Kelly, and footballers Thierry Henry and Tony Adams, underscores the importance of father-baby bonding. By placing these models on such iconic statues, the activists hope to highlight the crucial need for improved parental leave.
The Current State of Paternity Leave in the UK
The UK currently offers only two statutory weeks of paternity leave, paid at a rate of £184.03 per week. This provision is notably less generous compared to other European countries, where paternity leave typically extends to six weeks or more. Recent research reveals that this limited leave contributes to significant challenges for new fathers. Approximately one in three UK fathers reported taking no paternity leave following the birth of their child. Additionally, half of the families where fathers did take leave experienced financial difficulties as a result.
In response to these issues, the campaigners plan to submit an open letter to the Prime Minister later this month. The letter will call for urgent reforms to the UK’s paternity leave system, advocating for policies that better support working families.
Campaign Goals and Benefits
The open letter argues that “proper parental leave for fathers and co-parents benefits mothers, babies, fathers, and society as a whole.” Evidence suggests that countries with more generous paternity leave have a smaller gender pay gap and higher workforce participation rates. For instance, nations offering six or more weeks of paternity leave see a gender pay gap that is 4% smaller and a workforce participation gap that is 3.7% smaller. This indicates that improving parental leave can positively impact the economy while also supporting family well-being.
The campaign’s objective is to secure parental leave that is both affordable and substantial, fostering equality among parents. According to recent polling conducted for the campaign, 90% of fathers expressed a desire to be more involved in their children’s lives. The Labour Party has pledged to review the parental leave system if it comes to power, promising to support working families within its first year of government.
Public Reaction and Campaign Activities
George Gabriel and Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founders of Dad Shift, orchestrated the placement of model babies on statues throughout central London. They were assisted by Mel Pinet, who leads classes on baby sling techniques and parent-infant bonding. The statues, including Brunel’s at Paddington Station and Kelly’s in Leicester Square, drew considerable attention from morning commuters. The unusual sight of distinguished figures holding babies sparked numerous photographs and positive responses from the public.
Gabriel expressed the campaign’s intent to provoke thought and discussion. “A lot of people stopped to take photographs; people responded very warmly. We meant it to be a positively provocative sight,” he said. He emphasized the need to address the imbalance in how public figures are portrayed, noting that while women often face scrutiny about their roles as mothers and wives, male figures in public life are less frequently recognized for their roles as fathers.
The Impact of the Campaign
The campaign also targeted statues that represent everyday workers. For example, John Seward Johnson II’s sculpture of a frazzled city worker now depicts a parent juggling a baby, transforming the sculpture’s narrative. Similarly, Stephen Melton’s statue of a yuppie trader was modified to include twins, further emphasizing the challenge of balancing work and parenting.
Marvyn Harrison, founder of the digital community Dope Black Dads and a supporter of the campaign, expressed optimism about the potential for government action. “It feels urgent. The UK is unusual in how far we lag behind other countries in this area,” Harrison stated. He called for enduring changes that would improve conditions for men in their roles as parents, partners, and individuals.
Conclusion
The Dad Shift’s creative protest highlights the urgent need for reform in the UK’s paternity leave system. By drawing public attention to the issue through their innovative approach, the campaigners hope to catalyze legislative changes that will better support fathers and promote family well-being. As the UK continues to lag behind its European counterparts in this crucial area, the push for more generous and eq
