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Calling all working new dads and dads-to-be without paid paternity leave:Dove Men+Carehas a message for you.
The personal-care brand has teamed up with Reddit co-founder (and husband ofSerena Williams)Alexis Ohanianto promote a grant program that willaward $5,000 to expectant fatherswho do not have employer-paid leave to take care of their newborn children.
Ina press releasedistributed Tuesday, Ohanian — dad to daughterAlexis Olympia, 17 months — said of his inspiration to partner with Dove onThe Pledge for Paternity Leaveinitiative that he “saw firsthand the importance of taking paternity leave and being there for my family during a critical time in our lives.”
“No dad should have to sacrifice taking leave, and I’ve beenvery public about taking minein an effort to show other men that you can still be an ambitious businesspersonwhile also taking time for your family,” said Ohanian, 35.
“And it’s not just fathers who reap the benefits — it’s in the best interest of families, workplaces and communities to support dads in taking leave,” he added.
“Working with Dove Men+Care, I will continue to try to tackle some of the societal stigmas that exist around paternity leave,and advocate for paid leave to be a rightfor dads everywhere,” Ohanian said.
According to the press release, Dove Men+Care will pay a total of “a $1 million commitment through 2020 to fund real dads who are currently unable to take meaningful time off during this important life moment.”
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“By supporting this important initiative, our goal is to increase utilization rates of paid paternity leave for those men who have access to it and encourage other companies to come together and offer men paid paternity leave so they can take the time to care for their families,” Soukas explained.
To be considered for the grant, new and expectant fathers should fill out the online application atdmcpaternityleave.dja.com, as well as sign the Pledge for Paternity Leave atdovemencare.com/pledge, which is required as part of the application process. Submissions will be accepted through 2020.
source: people.com
