The last two years have proven very significant in terms of parental leave reforms around the world, but a leading CEO has been forced to defend her position on her personal approach to maternity leave.

 

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has hit back at claims she has set a bad example by only taking two weeks of maternity leave after welcoming twins, insisting that she is ‘the exception’ at her company.

 

Marissa set tongues wagging when, after confirming her pregnancy, she announced: “I plan to approach the pregnancy and delivery as I did with my son three years ago, taking limited time away and working throughout.”

 

As of 2013, mothers and fathers employed by Yahoo can avail of eight weeks paid parental leave, while the mums can take an additional eight weeks if they so choose.

 

 

 

 

However, Marissa’s decision to take just a fortnight with her newborn daughters was widely criticised, with some critics suggesting she was setting a ‘bad example’ by appearing to put her career ahead of important bonding time with her babies.

 

With the conversation arising once again this week, Marissa was quick to defend her personal stance, which she revealed to be ‘exceptional’ to the trend at the company.

 

“At Yahoo in 2015, every new mum took at least one month of maternity leave, and nearly 75% took full amount allowed. I understand I’m the exception, and need to be, for all the reasons cited,” she tweeted.

 

The mum-of-three added: “I find other ways/times to bond with my kids. [I] understand there is a worry about setting the tone, but the data suggests it isn’t an issue at Yahoo.”

 

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