[Southeast Asia] Workplace pregnancy discrimination and maternity provisions

In Southeast Asia, an increasing number of women are high achievers in the workplace; rising through the ranks, starting their own companies and determining industry policy. Yet women, mothers in particular, still experience discrimination at work. And a recent survey by the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) in Malaysia revealed that more than 40 per cent of women in the workforce specifically experience pregnancy discrimination. (Link via original reporting)

Pregnancy discrimination includes a prolonged probation period, denial of promotion and a high likelihood of job loss. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the majority of countries have adopted appropriate legislative provisions on maternity protection at work. Maternity protection is a fundamental right and pregnant working women are legally entitled to paid maternity leave, maternal and child health care and breastfeeding breaks. The ASEAN Post examines the maternity provisions available to women is ASEAN countries.

In Southeast Asia, an increasing number of women are high achievers in the workplace; rising through the ranks, starting their own companies and determining industry policy. Yet women, mothers in particular, still experience discrimination at work. And a recent survey by the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) in Malaysia revealed that more than 40 per cent of women in the workforce specifically experience pregnancy discrimination. (Link via original reporting)

Pregnancy discrimination includes a prolonged probation period, denial of promotion and a high likelihood of job loss. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the majority of countries have adopted appropriate legislative provisions on maternity protection at work. Maternity protection is a fundamental right and pregnant working women are legally entitled to paid maternity leave, maternal and child health care and breastfeeding breaks. The ASEAN Post examines the maternity provisions available to women is ASEAN countries.