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 Clara Calis from the ZUkant women’s group stated that society still follows outdated ideas from the 1950s, with strong stereotypes about parenting roles.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
Europe’s Decision: Tariff Barriers or a Green Alliance with China
Walk through any European city today and the transformation is visible. Charging stations sprout on street corners. Electric buses glide silently through historic squares. The continent’s green transition is no longer a policy paper ambition – it is being built, street by street, factory by factory.
But inside Europe’s corridors of power, a different mood prevails. Anxiety. The surge of competit
UN Condemns New Wave of Russian Attacks Across Ukraine
Makerfield By-Election: Final Campaign Day — Live Updates
Burnham, known as the “king of the north” for his accomplishments, enjoys significant popularity among
Can Funding Match Europe’s Defence Aspirations? An Interview with EIB Chief Nadia Calviño
The EIB has revealed that it significantly increased its funding for security and defense ini
New Google Search Rules Proposed by Digital Markets Unit to Bolster UK Competition in 2026
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
EU Adds Settlement Trade Options to July Agenda
EU foreign ministers have urged the European Commission to develop options for possible trade measures on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, progressing a long-standing human rights dispute to a more concrete stage ahead of July discussions.
This request followed the Foreign Affairs Counci
Spanish Striker Rafa Mir Sentenced to 8½ Years in European Soccer Controversy
VALENCIA, Spain, June 15 – Eurotoday Newspaper — European soccer controversy intensified this week after Spanish striker Rafa Mir was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison following a sexual assault conviction. The ruling has quickly become one of the most discussed legal cases involving a professional football player in Europe, drawing reactions from sports organizations, legal analysts
Key Terms and Conditions of the Share Buy-Back
Société anonyme with a share capital of €371,177.72
Registered office: 1 route de Versailles – 78470 Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, France
662 001 403 R.C.S. Versailles
Main terms and conditions of the share buy-back programme in accordance with the conditions and obligations set by Articles 241-1 and seq. of the General Regulations of the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF
EU Sanctions Debate Intensifies After Bloc Stalemate on Israeli Minister Action
BRUSSELS, Belgium, June 15 – Brussels Morning Newspaper — EU sanctions debate took center stage in Brussels after the European Union’s top diplomat confirmed that member states failed to reach a consensus on possible sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The disagreement highlights continuing divisions within the bloc over how to respond to controversial political
Leave a Reply