DOHA: The Qatari community continues to have different views whether there should be crèches at the workplaces. Some are in favour of the idea arguing that it will increase productivity of working mothers, others say that work place crèches will distract working women, reported an Arabic daily.
In March, majority members at the Central Municipal Council (CMC) voted for a proposal to establish crèches at work places and referred the proposal to its Services and Public Facilities Committee for further study. According to the proposal, setting up creches in workplaces and government departments would be helpful and its beneficiaries would be both Qatari and expatriate mothers employed at the sector.
Hence different views have been expressed by experts and CMC members.
Dr Ameena Al Hail, psychologist at the Supreme Education Council said: “This is one of the positive suggestions which will help in solving many problems as dealing with house maids and them ill treating children.”
“Having a crèche at work place will let the mother feel more secured and it will have a positive impact her productivity at work,” she further said.
Salman Al Sulaiti, columnist appreciating the suggestion to have crèches at work places said:
“It’s a good suggestion and we can raise this issue with representatives from CMC. This will have a positive impact on working Qatari mothers, since the government is encouraging women to join the work force and this is ideal. It will be motivation factor for females.”
However, Dr Moza Al Malki, a psychologist has shared a mixed view on the issue. “Before implementing the proposal there should be a clear decision by the concern bodies to establish crèches at work places. The decision needs to be legalised,” she said.
“However it is good for the mother, it will be difficult for the baby. Everyday leaving home early morning and if the crèche is not well maintained, they would fall sick. Therefore such crèche should be well maintained and the care takers should be qualified,” Al Malki added.
Hassan Al Khudai, another commentator, completely opposed to the proposal and said: “I will never support this idea. This will have a negative impact on mother’s performance at work, because mothers will end spending more time with the babies.”
He also suggested that if a mother is very concerned about her child then she should resign and take care of the child.
The Peninsula
