TAKE ACTION!
To improve workplace
gender equality, we need
to advocate for PPL that
encourages dads to take
time off. What you can do:
Know your rights and
ask your employer what
leave is available. Men
are often eligible for
more than they realise.
Expectant dads should
raise the topic of
extended paternity leave
with their employer as
early as possible, and
explain the necessity
of taking extra time.
Know the stats – men
only take up 2 per cent
of extended parental
leave in Australia, which
impacts bonding with
their new baby and has
longer-term impacts on
the child’s wellbeing
and family dynamics.
Ask your employer to
join APLEN – a network
of organisations pushing
to advocate and advance
parental leave equality
in Australia;
http://www.aplen.com.au.
Lobby your local
MP to have parental
leave reform placed
on the agenda.#PledgeForPaternityLeave
JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN(^58) | marieclaire.com.au
NATHAN ROSS
FORMER NRL PLAYER,
FATHER OF ZIAH, 5, AND WILLOW, 2
“When the baby arrives, it’s important that the father can get leave
from work and spend as much time as he can with his family.
Parental leave needs to be more readily available. When Willow
was born, I was playing professional league and had to go back to
training the next day! Within our agreement there was meant to be
a period you could take off, but the coaches and club didn’t like you
taking that time away from the team. I’ve just retired from league due
to injuries and my partner is opening up a hair salon, so I’m doing
some of the day-to-day running of the kids’ lives. Spending more
time at home, I’ve bonded with them. When they’re being a bit
sookie, they call out for me rather than their mum – the playing field
is levelling out. My son even said to my partner recently: “I love Dad
more now, he’s home a lot more and plays with me.” That broke
my heart and it does make you think. I wish I’d had more time
SAM WOOD AND GYTON GRANTLEY: STYLING BY JADE LEUNG/VIVIEN’S CREATIVE. GROOMING BY ASHLEIGH CARPENTER/VIVIEN’S CREATIVE.; TOM WILLIAMS, WIPPA, NATHAN ROSS AND STEVE WILLIS: GROOMING BY DESIREE WISE/NETWORK AGENCY.
STEVE “COMMANDO” WILLIS
PERSONAL TRAINER/TV PRESENTER,
FATHER OF BRIANNA, 20, ELLA, 11,
JACK, 7, AND AXEL, 3
“Twenty years ago, fathers were one step
removed from family life, because we were
so entrenched in our roles as breadwinners.
While it wasn’t intentional, we probably
got a bit distanced from the emotional side
of our beings. When Brianna was born, I
was in the army and went straight back to
work. It was just nose to the grindstone.
Today, there’s been a big shift. Fathers
recognise the importance of being there for
their kids and nurturing them. When Axel
was born, I was working for myself, so I
had the opportunity to spend quality time
with him and provide more support for
[my partner] Michelle [Bridges]. Axel was
her first child, so she was dealing with
uncertainty. Doing things together helped
us to manage those fears. It was just what
needed to be done.
Taking time off to spend that initial period
of time with your little one is so important,
and it reinforces the bond. I really enjoyed
it, too. If parental leave is available then
dads should definitely take it. Having
children is a big responsibility, as we’re
accountable for their wellbeing. In order
to do that, nothing beats connection and
interaction – you can’t do that from a desk.”