10th Jubilee Conference "Mothers and Fathers Welcome 2025

This year, we will take a deep dive into the economic context of parental leave in the Czech Republic and explore the potential impacts of shortening parental leave, drawing lessons from Sweden. Together, we will examine how a systemic change could create positive outcomes for both parents and the economy. Key topics will include:

• The benefits of more balanced sharing of parental responsibilities between mothers and fathers.

• Economic opportunities and improvements for the Czech labour market resulting from a reformed parental leave system.

Join us for insightful discussions, expert panels, and the chance to contribute to shaping the future of parental leave policies in the Czech Republic.

PROGRAM:

8:30–9:00 – Registration & morning coffee

9:00–9:15 – Welcome and opening speeches

• Petra Ondrušová – Head of Sustainability Office, Česká spořitelna, a.s.

• Marie Bendegard – Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden in Prague

• Pavel Štern – Director, Business for Society

9:15–9:30 – Swedish Inspiration II – Economic and social benefits of shared parental leave in Sweden & its positive effect on the Swedish labour market

• Marie Bendegard – Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden in Prague

9:30–10:00 – Economic impact of the changed parental leave: Benefits for families, the economy and the Czech labour market?

• Petr Bartoň – Data Economist, Datarun

10:00–10:20 – Stand-up: Situation of parents in the Czech labour market – MUMDOO Survey

• Kristýna Cejnarová – Co-founder of MUMDOO

10:20–10:30 – Coffee break

10:30–10:45 – Stand-up: Support for parents during the summer holidays

• Michala Kinkorová – Head of HR Department, National Agency for Communication and Information Technologies (NAKIT)

10:45–11:30 – Changing Parental leave: The way to a stronger family, a stronger economy and a higher quality labour market

• Eva Decroix – Member of Parliament of the Czech Republic and Vice-Chair of ODS

• Petra Ondrušová – Chief Sustainability Officer, Česká spořitelna

• Radana Kostruhová – personální ředitelka, Heimstaden Czech

• Martina Hlisnikovská – Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, IKEA CZ/SK/HU (TBC)

11:30–11:50 – Greater Flexibility, Less Stress: How Modern Preschool Solutions Benefit Parents

• Šárka Jelínková – Deputy Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic

11:50–12:30 – Q&A Session

12:30–13:00 – Refreshments and networking

Moderated by Simona Babčáková, presenter, actress and lecturer