Senegalese Government: New Labor Code Includes 18 Weeks Maternity Leave

• Senegal's National Assembly approved a new Code du travail with an extended maternity leave period of 18 weeks.
• The revised code increases breastfeeding breaks from 6 months to 20 months.
• Women's rights organizations welcome the development but call for effective implementation and promulgation of the new laws.
• Lawyers in Senegal should consider the implications of the new Code du travail on compliance with local labor laws.

Nous avons travaillé très longtemps à mener des études, on a fait des recherches pour proposer les 18 semaines et ça a été accepté.

The Senegalese government has adopted a new Code du travail, which includes an extended maternity leave period of 18 weeks. This change was approved by the National Assembly on August 18, 2026, and replaces the previous 14-week limit. The revised code also increases the duration for breastfeeding breaks to 20 months. Women's rights organizations in Senegal have welcomed this development, but are calling for effective implementation and promulgation of the new laws.

Fatou Bintou Astou Yaffa, president of the National Network of Working Women in Senegal (RANAFES), attributed the adoption of 18 weeks to her organization's research and advocacy efforts. She stated that RANAFES had conducted extensive studies and proposed the 18-week period, which was ultimately accepted.

While some organizations have expressed satisfaction with the new code, others are emphasizing the need for men to also receive leave benefits to support their partners and participate in childcare responsibilities.

The adoption of the new Code du travail marks a significant shift in Senegal's labor laws. The revised code aims to provide better working conditions, social protection, and employee rights. However, some critics argue that the 18-week maternity leave period falls short of the initial goal of six months proposed by Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Aminata Libain Mbengue, a member of the Collective of Feminists in Senegal, noted that while 18 weeks is an improvement, it still does not meet the desired standard.

The new code also introduces changes to breastfeeding breaks, increasing the duration from 6 months to 20 months. This adjustment aims to promote better health and well-being for working mothers and their children.

The implementation of the new Code du travail has significant implications for Senegal's labor laws, particularly regarding employee benefits and workplace accommodations. Lawyers advising clients in Senegal should take note of the 18-week maternity leave period and consider its impact on compliance with local regulations.

Moreover, this development highlights the importance of promoting women's rights and work-life balance in Senegal. The increased breastfeeding breaks and extended maternity leave period demonstrate a commitment to supporting working mothers and their families. As Aminata Libain Mbengue emphasized, it is essential for men to also receive leave benefits to participate in childcare responsibilities and promote greater equality in the workplace.

Lawyers advising clients in Sénégal should note the new 18-week maternity leave period and consider its implications for compliance with local labor laws, particularly regarding employee benefits and workplace accommodations.

Source: Original reporting via pressafrik