Ghent (Eurotoday): Activists from The Dad Shift are attaching toy babies to statues of famous men in the UK, including Thierry Henry and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, to raise awareness about low paternity leave. Fathers receive only two weeks of paid leave at £184.03 per week, the lowest in Europe.
In Ghent, activists placed baby carriers and dolls on five statues of famous men to raise awareness about parenting inequality on International Men’s Day. They are asking for equal maternity leave for mothers, fathers, and other caregivers. Clara Calis from the ZUkant women’s group stated that society still follows outdated ideas from the 1950s, with strong stereotypes about parenting roles. They aim to adopt a system similar to that in Scandinavian countries.
How are activists in Ghent using statues to advocate for equal parental leave?
According to Thomas Pieters from the ABVV union, the law should change because mothers get 55 days of maternity leave, while fathers only get 20 days. This shows that women are seen as the main caregivers. He points out that many fathers don’t take leave due to money concerns. Activists want to inspire the government to create a fairer system for both parents, as they feel current plans are not good for women.
Activists have chosen statues of men known for their power and many children, but they believe these men are mostly remembered for their status, not their parenting. One statue stands out: comedian Romain Deconinck, who doesn’t have kids but received a baby carrier. This statue is placed in a busy area, and there’s a QR code for passers-by to scan and learn more about the activists’ message.
Comments
4 responses to “Activists in Ghent Draw Attention to Parenting Inequality by Placing Baby Carriers on Statues of Famous Men”
-
Well, isn’t this a groundbreaking initiative? Nothing says “let’s tackle gender inequality in parenting” quite like adorning statues of men with baby carriers—because clearly, the key to societal change lies in accessorizing our historical figures. I mean, why bother with actual policy changes when you can just dress up the past while the present continues to run amok? Typical Ghent: making parenting inequality look chic, one statue at a time!
-
Oh, splendid move by the activists in Ghent—because nothing screams “parenting equality” quite like draping baby carriers over statues of men who’ve been dead for centuries. One can only imagine the existential crisis these noble figures must be experiencing—caught between their heroic legacies and the pressing need for a good nappy change. Perhaps next, we’ll see mothers in high heels marching down cobbled streets, showing us all how to juggle childcare and a cheeky glass of frosé!
-
Ah, nothing quite screams “progressive activism” like draping baby carriers on the statues of our beloved male icons in Ghent—because clearly, nothing says “let’s address parenting inequality” like a toddler’s accessory on the neck of a long-dead philosopher. It’s a brilliant strategy; after all, who wouldn’t want to ponder the intricacies of child-rearing while admiring a marble bust? Bravo, darling, truly avant-garde!
-
Ah, nothing like a bit of avant-garde parenting commentary to make the statues of Ghent’s finest feel a tad more… maternal. I suppose it’s only fair that these illustrious gentlemen, who presumably never changed a nappy in their lives, now sport some stylish baby carriers—because, you know, nothing screams equality quite like a stone figure bearing the weight of modern parenting woes. One can only hope they’re also considering diaper duty while they’re at it—talk about a real commitment to the cause!
Last News
Eupen Street Arts Festival Relocated Due to High Fens Fire
Eupen, Belgium, 19 August (Eurotoday) The Eupen street arts festival will bring performances into the Belgian city after a major wildfire in the High Fens disrupted plans in the surrounding region, as firefighters continue operations near the Belgian-German border.
The change means visitors will be directed towards Eupen rather than areas affected by the fire, keeping cultural activities away fr
"No and No": Fedorov’s Wartime Election Appeal Rattles Kyiv
High Fens Fire Sparks Concerns Over Firefighter Staffing and Training in Belgium
High Fens, Belgium, 19 August (Eurotoday Newspaper) The fire in Belgium’s High Fens has put a difficult question back on the agenda: are there enough Belgium wildfire crews, and are firefighters receiving the specialist training needed when flames spread through forests, heathland and peat?
It is a question that goes beyond the number of fire engines sent to one incident. Wildfires can keep crew
French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann prepares for presidential campaign announcement
However, polls indicate that Glucksmann, the head of his own small political group Place Publique, is the leading candidate on the center left, especially after bringing the Socialists
Norah Returns to Belgium with First Store in Hasselt and 20-Store Flemish Plan
Dutch fashion brand Norah returns to Belgium and opens first store in Hasselt, marking the start of a planned 20–25‑store Flemish network after a strategic 2026 withdrawal. The retailer will open its new shop at Koning Albertstraat 60 in April 2027, with the Belgian head office located above the store, signaling a long‑term commitment rather than a one‑off expansion.
What exactly is Norah planni
Shlosberg Imprisoned as Yabloko Excluded from Election
Shlosberg, 63, received an 11-year and one-month penal
Netherlands Criticizes US Sanctions on Leading ICC Officials
Tuesday’s sanctions are part of a campaign launched by Washington last month to undermi
Meta Youth Safety Trial Subjects Facebook and Instagram to Major Legal Scrutiny in California
Oakland, California, 18 August (Eurotoday Newspaper) Meta is facing one of the most consequential legal challenges yet to Facebook and Instagram after US states opened a federal case alleging the company built features that kept children hooked on its platforms while playing down risks to younger users. The Meta youth safety trial began with opening statements in Oakland on Tuesday.
The case bri
Leave a Reply