Some Colombian companies defy maternity regulations by hiring less women

Global Business

In Colombia, a law that protects women’s right to maternity leave may be a hindrance to women when looking for a job according to a study conducted by the country’s Central Bank.
CCTV’s Michelle Begue has this report from Bogota.

Companies defy regulations by hiring less women

In Colombia, a law that protects women's right to maternity leave may be a hindrance to women when looking for a job according to a study conducted by the country's Central Bank. CCTV's Michelle Begue has this report from Bogota.

In 2011, Colombia passed legislation ensuring women receive 14 weeks of paid maternity leave starting two weeks before a scheduled birth. But economists said this may cause unintended negative effects.

According to a study published by Colombia’s Central Bank, since the legislation women in “prime childbearing years” – ages 18 to 30 – were more likely to remain unemployed.

A government study showed at the end of 2014, the unemployment rate for women was at 10.7 percent, compared to 7.9 for men.

A look at maternity leave policies around the world