Only one fifths takes maternity leave

Only 20 percent of women actually took maternity leave although 80 percent of companies allow them to take one, according to a study by Korea Institute of Child Care and Education Thursday.

Among the surveyed women with children, only 24 percent of them said they used the maternity leave package.

Miscarriage is also a legitimate reason to take a leave, but only 14 percent of the women actually took it.

Women are entitled to take maternity leaves, since it’s a protected right by law, but few actually assert on it.

Almost 30 percent of them responded that it might interfere with their work, and nearly 20 percent of them said they worried what their bosses would say.

Some 13 percent said the system is not available, and some 12 percent said they worry about the hardships when they return.

The leave rate, however, is on the rise. In 2004, 9,123 women used the leave, but in 2011, 56,735 did, which soared nearly six-fold in just eight years.

“Companies that violate this regulation frequently should be dealt with by law,” said an official from the Institute.