Paid paternity leave is being touted, by a regional family planning expert, as one of the single most impactful policies that organisations can implement to enhance social consciousness while curbing intimate partner violence (IPV) in the Caribbean.

Anderson Langdon, executive director of the Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA), speaking with Our Today, noted that, historically, the Caribbean has had its own social issues that have persisted due to shortfalls in gender equality and gender equity.

Langdon specifically pointed to teenage pregnancy, high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and gender-based violence.

While noting that the region has made and continues to make steady progress in addressing teenage pregnancy, and the high STI rates in the region – especially in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad, the BFPA head argued that paid paternity leave needs to be implemented as it will bring immense social benefit.

His comments follow last week’s Fourth Virtual Conversation of Affirming Fatherhood, hosted by Parenting Partners Caribbean and during which fathers from throughout the region discussed the benefits of paternity leave.

Langdon said family planning agencies are typically only thought about with regard to contraceptives.

He highlighted that they also address matters relating to infertility and comprehensive sexual and sexuality education.

“We create a space free of stigma where vulnerable groups can receive the necessary, affordable medical care and counselling about issues surrounding their sexual health,” said Langdon when asked to define the role of a family planning association.

Pauline Russell-Brown, president of the Jamaica Family Planning Association, said legislation in the Anglo-Caribbean dictates that persons under the age of 18 cannot purchase contraceptives unless they have parental consent or they have had a baby.

“However, the minimum age a young person can have sex and not be prosecuted is 16,” Russell-Brown added.

She also noted that efforts have been made over the years to have new policy implemented.

Jamaica, Barbados and the wider Caribbean all fall under the umbrella of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

Shortfalls in gender equity and equality extend beyond health care. One in three women in the region experience intimate partner violence throughout their lives and that does not account for cases that go unreported or potential increases due to the pandemic.

Langdon noted that, while there is no single cause of gender-based or intimate partner violence, the rate of this type of violence in the Caribbean is disproportionately higher than the world average and, therefore, paid paternity leave is something that benefits both men and women.

“Studies show that not only do men want paid paternity leave, it can potentially reduce intimate partner violence, it results in a better environment for a child, a better bond with the father and child, a better relationship between the parents of the child – even in cases where they are no longer together and healthier – and more equitable joint parenting practices, and that’s just in the home,” said Langdon.

“On the societal level, in children it leads to a reduction in behavioural problems, psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, enhances cognitive and social development – especially in regards to how boys and girls interact with each other – and provides a healthier blueprint for family dynamics for future generations, and there is still the financial and productivity aspects,” he continued.

A 2018 study suggests paid paternity leave reduces financial stresses, encourages more participation from fathers in early childcare, and healthier parenting practices which mitigates intimate partner violence.

The Jamaican branch can be contacted at (876) 948-9168 or email: [email protected]

The Barbados branch can be contacted on twitter: @bfpaonline