Baby Slings Tied To Statues In UK - A Call For Better Paternity Leave Policy

In a bold and creative protest, campaigners advocating for enhanced paternity leave in the UK attached lifelike model babies in slings to several iconic bronze statues of male figures across central London. Statues of celebrated personalities, including actor Gene Kelly, football legend Thierry Henry, and engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, were seen cradling babies as part of a call to action for better parental leave options. The initiative, led by the new campaign group The Dad Shift, aims to shed light on the country’s inadequate paternity leave policies, which are currently ranked as the least generous in Europe for fathers.

The UK's Paternity Leave: Among the Worst in Europe

The UK’s paternity leave system offers only two statutory weeks of leave, with a payment of just £184.03 per week. Such minimal provisions have had significant consequences. According to recent research, one in three fathers in the UK did not take any paternity leave following the birth of their child. Of those who did, half of the families reported financial struggles due to the insufficient compensation provided during the leave period. 

This stark reality has spurred the Dad Shift campaigners into action, culminating in their decision to deliver an open letter to the Prime Minister. The letter urges the government to swiftly reform the current system, emphasising that improved paternity leave benefits both families and the wider economy.

The Case for Better Parental Leave

The open letter from The Dad Shift campaigners highlights the broad societal advantages of providing adequate parental leave for fathers and co-parents. “Proper parental leave for fathers is good for mothers, good for babies, good for fathers, and good for society too,” the letter states. Citing evidence from countries that provide at least six weeks of paternity leave, the campaigners argue that such policies reduce the gender pay gap by 4% and increase workforce participation, narrowing the gap by 3.7%. 

These figures make a compelling case for reform, suggesting that offering more substantial leave would not only support British families but also stimulate economic growth. The campaign calls for affordable and substantial parental leave that promotes equality between parents, ensuring that fathers can be more present in their children’s lives without facing financial hardship.

Public Support and Political Momentum

Public support for the initiative is overwhelming. A new poll commissioned for the campaign's launch found that 90% of fathers expressed a desire to play a more significant role in their children’s lives. This sentiment has been echoed by the Labour Party, which has pledged to review the UK’s parental leave system during its first year in government if elected. 

The Dad Shift’s co-founders, George Gabriel and Alex Lloyd Hunter, alongside Mel Pinet, a specialist in baby sling techniques, spearheaded the protest by attaching model babies to statues of prominent male figures. The stunt attracted widespread attention from passersby, with many commuters stopping to take photos and share their thoughts. 

Challenging Gender Stereotypes

According to Gabriel, the protest was designed to challenge societal perceptions about the roles of men in public and private life. “There’s such an imbalance in our portrayal and understanding of figures in public life,” he explained. “Women are often asked about their lives as wives, mothers, and daughters, while men are rarely asked to share those parts of themselves.” 

The sight of historical male figures with babies strapped to their chests was a striking visual metaphor for the often-overlooked role of fathers in family life. It highlighted the need to support men more effectively during the early stages of parenthood when bonding with their children is crucial.

The protest wasn’t just about making a statement; it was a visually engaging way to bring attention to a critical issue. In Paddington Station, the statue of Isambard Kingdom Brunel—who had three children—appeared relaxed, a baby nestled in his arm. Meanwhile, in Leicester Square, Gene Kelly’s statue, typically mid-dance with an umbrella, had a baby securely strapped to his chest, offering a whimsical yet poignant image of fatherhood.

The campaigners took their message further, strapping model babies to other statues, including a harried city worker and a yuppie trader, instantly transforming them into symbols of working fathers juggling childcare with demanding jobs.

A Call for Change

The campaign has garnered the support of other prominent figures, such as Marvyn Harrison, founder of the digital community Dope Black Dads, which is backing the movement. Harrison believes that the government must prioritize this issue, acknowledging the UK's significant lag behind other countries when it comes to paternity leave policies. “It feels urgent,” he stated. “We need to create lasting conditions for men to be better parents, husbands, friends, and people.”

As the campaign progresses, the hope is that the government will heed the call to action and introduce meaningful reforms. Until then, The Dad Shift and its supporters will continue to advocate for change, ensuring that fathers receive the support they need to be fully engaged in the early stages of their children’s lives. 

The Road Ahead

The campaign marks the beginning of what many hope will be a long-overdue transformation of the UK's parental leave system. By pushing for policies that allow fathers to spend more time with their newborns without financial strain, The Dad Shift aims to contribute to a more equitable society, where parenting is a shared responsibility. As the debate on paternity leave reform gains momentum, the message is clear: better leave for fathers means stronger families and a healthier, more balanced society.