Dr. Nata Duvvury:

Academic literature has looked at the effectiveness of workplace policies. Studies have been done in Australia and Canada that showed that women did not apply for leave because there is some fear. We are talking about culture and Deputy Cairns referred to it, wherein some think that the women are at fault, that it is not that serious, and that they are slackers who want leave, so the supervisor or employer is then more likely to question why they are taking the leave. That has acted as an impediment to women requesting leave. This has to be addressed by having proper education, training and policies to support women to ask for leave. Just passing legislation about leave is not sufficient.