Understanding the components of comprehensive maternity protection available and accessible to non-standard workers in South Africa: Domestic workers as a case study

Abstract

Maternity protection refers to a set of entitlements for working women around the time of pregnancy, childbirth and upon return to work, while breastfeeding. Comprehensive maternity protection incorporates health protection at the workplace; a period of maternity leave, cash, and medical benefits while on maternity leave; job security; non-discrimination; access to breastfeeding breaks and childcare support. Maternity protection in South Africa has not previously been comprehensively documented and investigated. Women working in permanent, full-time positions in the formal sector have greater access to maternity protection. Women working in positions of non-standard employment have not been allocated sufficient priority and investigation in the literature and previous research on maternity protection.