Activists in Ghent Draw Attention to Parenting Inequality by Placing Baby Carriers on Statues of Famous Men

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 Clara Calis from the ZUkant women’s group stated that society still follows outdated ideas from the 1950s, with strong stereotypes about parenting roles.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”

  1. cowboy booter Avatar
    cowboy booter

    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!

  2. BuzzMouse Avatar

    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!

  3. 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!

  4. Slint FUBAR Avatar
    Slint FUBAR

    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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Canada’s Financial Markets Strengthen with Expanded Bank Lending Capacity

Canada’s Financial Markets Strengthen with Expanded Bank Lending Capacity

Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment

Read More

Meloni and Sánchez Clash Over EU Migration Crackdown

Meloni and Sánchez Clash Over EU Migration Crackdown

The stance of Spain on migration is “well known,” a spokesperson from the Spanish government stated, confirming that Sánchez had defended it during the summit dialogue. Madrid is “more than happy” to participate in a conversation on migration, the spokesperson added. The spokesperson did not address the remark about Africa.

An Italian representative mentioned the interaction was “not a clash” bu

Read More

EU Leaders Prioritize Competitiveness Again

EU Leaders Prioritize Competitiveness Again

Brussels urges swifter measures on energy costs, industry, and the single market ahead of carbon-market review in July
EU leaders are urging swift advancement on Europe’s competitiveness agenda, calling on Brussels and national governments to expedite simpler regulations, lower energy costs, industrial renewal, and investment. The conclusions from Friday’s Brussels meeting underscore the “

Read More

Report: Manus Investors Pursue $2 Billion Buyback of AI Firm from Meta

Report: Manus Investors Pursue $2 Billion Buyback of AI Firm from Meta

San Francisco, California, United States, June 18 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Manus AI buyback discussions are drawing significant attention after a report indicated that the artificial intelligence company’s original investors are exploring a plan to repurchase the business from Meta in a deal valued at approximately $2 billion. If completed, the transaction could become one of the most closely wat

Read More

Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd.: Form 8.3

Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd.: Form 8.3

Press ReleaseThis article is based on a press release or official communication from Wire News Service. The European Times republishes it as a public service.
PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BYA PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORERule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1.
KEY INFORMATION
 

 
 

(a)
Full name of discloser:
Dimensional

Read More

‘Belgian PM Proposes Costa for Diplomatic Mission to Moscow’

‘Belgian PM Proposes Costa for Diplomatic Mission to Moscow’

After shaking Costa’s hand, De Wever mentioned: “I was saying you’re the only one who can represent us.” Costa then replied: “Thank you very much.”
De Wever humorously added: “And that we should send you to Moscow as soon as possible.”
This joke referred to leaders’ debates about establishing a direct communication line with Putin and who should represent the EU in future peace talks.
Costa laughe

Read More

Côte d’Ivoire Leads Regional War on Terror

Côte d’Ivoire Leads Regional War on Terror

Amid the sprawling displays of advanced hardware at Eurosatory, one of the world’s premier defence and security trade exhibition, Côte d’Ivoire’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Téné Birahima Ouattara, signalled his nation’s emergence as the primary security anchor in the troubled Sahel region.
Calling for renewed co-operation with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, Mr Ouattara, se

Read More

Notification of Transactions in Invalda INVL’s Securities

Notification of Transactions in Invalda INVL’s Securities

AB Invalda INVL reports that its executives have acquired company shares through the exercise of stock options granted in 2023. The transfer of ownership will occur after registering the share capital increase.

Read More

Trumps Iran-Deal, Marine auf Kurs & das ABC der Innenminister*innen

Trumps Iran-Deal, Marine auf Kurs & das ABC der Innenminister*innen

Trumps Iran-Deal, Marine auf Kurs & das ABC der Innenminister – POLITICO

Read More

Lebanon First Responders Salvage Priceless Memories from Devastated Headquarters

Lebanon First Responders Salvage Priceless Memories from Devastated Headquarters

Beirut, Lebanon, June 18 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Lebanon first responders are working through the remains of a destroyed headquarters, recovering personal belongings, historic records, photographs, and other treasured items buried beneath the rubble. While emergency teams continue assessing structural damage, many responders say preserving memories has become just as important as clearing debris

Read More