Studies have shown that dads are more satisfied with their lives and parenting skills when they take paternity leave—and yet only one in five employers offers fathers paid leave. One company is hoping to change that with’s Dove’s paternity leave grants.
It’s no secret that Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian believes dads should take paternity leave, which is why he has partnered with Dove Men+Care on a new campaign to award dads grants in order to spend time bonding with their new babies.
Only 15% of dads in the U.S. have paid leave to bond with their newborn. Let’s change that. Join us and @alexisohanian in signing the Pledge. #PaternityLeavePledge https://t.co/1xbf8bShID pic.twitter.com/5GkpMy69L6
— Dove Men+Care (@DoveMenCare) February 19, 2019
“Through my own experience becoming a father, I saw firsthand the importance of taking paternity leave and being there for my family during a critical time in our lives,” Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and managing partner of Initialized Capital, said in a press release.
Ohanian continued, “No dad should have to sacrifice taking leave, and I’ve been very public about taking mine in an effort to show other men that you can still be an ambitious businessperson while also taking time for your family. And it’s not just fathers who reap the benefits—it’s in the best interest of families, workplaces and communities to support dads in taking leave.”
Dove Men+Care plans to award $5,000 grants to 200 dads who don’t get more than 10 days of paid leave from their jobs. You can learn more about the campaign and what you can do to support men taking paternity leave at DoveMenCare.com/Pledge. Show your support on social media by tagging @dovemencare and using the hashtag #PaternityLeavePledge.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Nicole De Khors via Burst
RELATED STORIES:
Walmart Expands Maternity and Paternity Leave
Alexis Ohanian’s Talks Paternity Leave & “Being Present” as a New Dad
Powerful Photos of Aussie Dads & Kids Spark Needed Dialogue about Parental Leave
