Photo: Courtesy of Mintrab
A total of 20 areas have been recognized to support, protect and promote breastfeeding in offices and studios Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (Mintrab) As a friendly space.
According to the portfolio authority, these places help mothers who have to work and feed their babies, so the program is part of an occupational health and safety programme. To this end, companies or institutions adopt safe and appropriate premises that facilitate milk extraction, thus creating a positive impact on the workplace.
Companies or public agencies wishing to integrate the program must meet 10 requirements.
These spaces must include sinks with liquid soap, wide-mouth glass jars with plastic lids, refrigerators, information signs, air conditioners, cork boards, logbooks with usage records, tables, armchairs, trash cans and paper towel dispensers. Undersecretary of Social Welfare and Employment Geovanna Salazar reiterated that the program would lead to better nutrition for babies and reduce employee absences, thereby impacting productivity gains.
The Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces initiative officially launched on March 10, 2022, and is led by Mintrab and United Nations Children’s Fund (Eunicef) From 2021 onwards. Some recognized entities include the Department of the Interior Community Violence Prevention Unit (mingob), the National Institute of Electrification (INDE) and the Secretariat for Nutritional Food Safety (Sesan).