Family leave reform in Finland shows positive results with nearly doubled paternal participation

The family leave reform in Finland has yielded encouraging results during its two-year transition period, according to a statement from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela). Since the implementation of the reform, the number of parental leave days taken by fathers has nearly doubled.

Under the new system, parents are entitled to a total of 160 days of parental leave, with the option for one parent to transfer up to 63 days to the other. This means that each parent retains 97 days exclusively for their own use, which cannot be transferred. The days can be utilized until the child reaches the age of two.

The reform came into effect on September 4, 2022, and aims to promote a more equitable distribution of parental responsibilities.