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 Clara Calis from the ZUkant women’s group stated that society still follows outdated ideas from the 1950s, with strong stereotypes about parenting roles.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
Nvidia and Corning Spark Major AI Infrastructure Manufacturing Surge in New York by 2026
The agreement reflects the growing demand for advanced networking systems capable of supporting hy
Ukraine states it is not obligated to honor Russia’s Victory Day truce.
In response, Ukrainia
Fedrus International Enhances ESG Reporting Using Terra ESG Platform Powered by Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability
Fedrus International Enhances ESG Reporting with Terra ESG Platform on Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability
International group bolsters ESG data and reporting to prepare for CSRD requirements.
ESG has always been integral to our group operations. The focus in reporting is on taking action and making improved decisions.”
— Steven Geirnaert, CFO at Fedrus International
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, April
Tributes Pour in for Beloved Former Brussels Journalist Who Passed Away at 55
Ms. Carstens died from her injuries after being rushed to a local hospital. There were two cats inside when the fire broke out in the basement around 5.45am on 7 April, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue. One cat died and another was foun
2026 Vote: The Final Countdown
Sam and Anne examine the final voting intention polls before the elections in England, Scotland, and Wales. Have the latest updates on Reform and the Greens affected their standings?
Additionally, in Sky News’s series of leader interviews, Sam has spoken to the Conservatives’ Kemi Bade
Why Does Europe Worry About Shortages of Medications Like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen? Negligence or Business?
When conflicts arise in Europe, there’s often a realization that they weren’t prepared. This was evident with the war in Ukraine, despite warnings from Trump about the need for a military infrastructure that aligns with Europe’s global role. Now, with the potential withdrawal of American forces from Europe, discussions about strengthening military forces are surfacing.
A new c
Yes Means Yes – But Sometimes It Means No
This conceptual shift is grounded in trauma-informed studies that have conclusively evinced the “freeze response”: people are incapacitated in situations they perceive as threatening. They are unable or too terrorize
Montpelier Idaho Temple Milestones Announced
A media day is set for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with private tours for invited guests on September 9. Public tours are scheduled from Thursday, September 10, through Saturday, September 26, excluding Sundays. The dedication will occur on Sunday
In Defense of Germany’s Merz
As with many challenged leaders, the
EU Assistance for Displaced Belgian Workers
Workers laid off after the bankruptcy of Liberty Steel Belgium are set to receive €2m in EU aid.
On Wednesday, Parliament backed the package at its meeting in Strasbourg.
MEPs endorsed a Commission proposal to mobilise €2 million from the EU globalisation adjustment fund for displaced workers, as it is called in the jargon.
This will support 507 workers who lost their jobs following the bankrupt
Leave a Reply