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 Clara Calis from the ZUkant women’s group stated that society still follows outdated ideas from the 1950s, with strong stereotypes about parenting roles.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
PS Party MEPs Call on R. Fico to Cancel Moscow Visit
In an open letter, six Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the opposition group Progressive Slovakia (PS) have called on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to withdraw from attending the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Moscow. They referenced a statement from the E
IRF Roundtable Applauds Congressman Mark Walker’s Appointment as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
The IRF Roundtable, a diverse and non-partisan coalition of advocates committed to defending
Expert Calls for Overhaul of UK Defence Strategy
The United Kingdom’s global defence role must be fundamentally rethought, according to a leading UK-based defence expert.
“The UK no longer possesses the financial resources or the political and diplomatic influence it once wielded,”
said Professor Paul Cornish in response to the country’s recently announced Strategic Defence Review (SDR).
Prof. Cornish is a defence and strategy specialist at
Coupes dans l’aide au développement, droits de douane… les alliés des États-Unis au Moyen-Orient confrontés au “pire scénario”
Title: Aid Cuts and Tariff Threats Leave U.S. Allies in the Middle East Facing a Worst-Case Scenario
As the United States and Europe weigh reductions in foreign aid and increased trade barriers, their all
Trump Confident of Reaching an Agreement with the EU
However, Meloni, who leads the ultraconservative coalition in
Decisions on Monetary Policy
17 April 2025
The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council has announced a reduction of 25 basis points across its three key interest rates, aiming to support price stability and economic resilience. This decision follows a comprehensive assessment of inflation trends, underlying price pressures, and the efficiency of mone
Defence Takes Center Stage for EU and MEPs
Members of the European Parliament are set to vote next week on the report for the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
The EDIP aims to strengthen the integration of the European defence industry and serve as a foundational pillar for building a common European defence capability.
With the war in Ukraine still raging and concerns over the future scale of U.S. support for Europe’s securit
France Urges Ukraine Ceasefire to Reflect Reality Following U.S. Talks
Although he did not name the regions explicitly, the areas in question are likely Crimea — which Russia illegally annexed in 2014 — along with Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zapori
“EU Integration: A Major Responsibility – Insights from EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos”
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos addressed reporters from various member agencies of the European Newsroom (ENR) about significant milestones and challenges facing countries seeking to join the European Union, particularly in the context of escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Commissio
Increase in Attacks on Civilians in South Sudan
A new report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reveals a disturbing surge in violence against civilians last year, including a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). The findings are based on firsthand accounts from victims and witnesses, as well as insights gathered during field missions and fr
Leave a Reply