Doherty, TanyaPereira-Kotze, Catherine Jane (Katie)2023-02-232024-11-072023-02-232024-11-072023https://hdl.handle.net/10566/19187Philosophiae Doctor - PhDMaternity protection refers to a set of entitlements for working women around the time of pregnancy, childbirth and upon return to work, while breastfeeding. Comprehensive maternity protection incorporates health protection at the workplace; a period of maternity leave, cash, and medical benefits while on maternity leave; job security; non-discrimination; access to breastfeeding breaks and childcare support. Maternity protection in South Africa has not previously been comprehensively documented and investigated. Women working in permanent, full-time positions in the formal sector have greater access to maternity protection. Women working in positions of non-standard employment have not been allocated sufficient priority and investigation in the literature and previous research on maternity protection.enBreastfeedingWomen’s rightsPublic healthSouth AfricaMaternityUniversity of the Western Cape