Dar es Salaam, Feb. 12 -- TANZANIAS decision to extend maternity leave for employees who give birth to premature babies marks a significant milestone in labour rights.

This legislative change, enacted through amendments to the Employment and Labour Relations Act, Cap. 366, reflects the governments recognition of the unique challenges faced by parents of preterm infants.

With the amendment, maternity leave now accounts for the time a pregnancy would have been completed, ensuring that mothers receive adequate paid leave up to 40 weeks post-birth.

This policy shift is not merely an administrative adjustment but a substantive reform with far-reaching implications for maternal and infant health, workplace productivity, and gender equality....