Bogotá officials call for improved workplace support for breastfeeding mothers

The Bogotá District Secretariat for Women (SDMujer) has called for improved labor conditions, adequate spaces, and flexible schedules for breastfeeding workers. During World Breastfeeding Week, the entity emphasized the need for autonomy, respect for personal decisions, and shared responsibility in caregiving to ensure motherhood does not hinder professional development.

Economic challenges persist for mothers in the Bogotá labor market. A study by the District Secretariat for Economic Development and ANIF found that women aged 40 to 59 with children under five experience a 53.9% reduction in hourly income. This wage gap impacts family stability and discourages continuous employment.

Regional data from UNICEF and Deloitte involving 305 Latin American companies shows that while 68% of large firms provide lactation rooms, only 39% implement non-discrimination policies for pregnant and breastfeeding staff. In Colombia, the Ministry of Labor continues to guide employers on complying with Law 1823 of 2017, which mandates the installation of lactation-friendly spaces in organizations.