Despite the progress made to ensure equality between men and women in Nepal, many female employees still experience serious difficulties when trying to return to work after giving birth. This is due to the lack of both practical and emotional workplace support as they try to balance both work and childcare. Many companies do not provide adequate facilities for breastfeeding, resting/pumping, etc., leading to logistical and emotional difficulties for these women as they attempt to handle their duties at work while taking care of their newborns.
Certain companies have begun making changes by providing breastfeeding facilities, offering flexible working hours for new mothers, and implementing other policy adjustments for lactating employees. Experts believe that breastfeeding support in the workplace is an integral labour right and not just an option or privilege. The lack of formal policies, structures, and systems in place leaves it to individual women to make very challenging decisions, including leaving their job and not advancing either professionally or personally, even if they have the experience and intention to do so.
The labour laws of Nepal permit maternity leave but also provide limited flexibility for mental health. More support systems will need to be established to enable and encourage women to successfully balance their work and other obligations to their family and community as mothers. Companies that have implemented these systems have reported improved retention rates, indicating the importance of supporting female employees by providing them with reasonable workplace support systems.
The number of females in the workforce of Nepal is almost equal to that of their male counterparts, and it is increasing; many health experts urge companies to establish and implement systems that support breastfeeding mothers. Until this is achieved, the transition back to work after giving birth will continue to be less of a transition for many female employees than it will be a test due to the lack of adequate support.
Until there is a significant change made to support female workers returning to work, many women who return to work will continue to face serious career setbacks due to the lack of supportive environments, ongoing stress from the demands of work, and continuing inequitable treatment as they seek to provide for their families while contributing to society.