GENDER EQUITY AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY: : an analysis of paternity and maternity leaves in the Brazilian legal system

This work aims to analyze the disparity between paternity and maternity leave in the Brazilian context, investigating its implications for gender equality and parental responsibility, through the guiding question: to what extent the disparity between paternity and maternity leave in the Brazilian legal system violates the principle of gender equality and affects parental responsibility, contrary to the best interest of the child and adolescent? For this, a qualitative and descriptive review of the literature was carried out, with documentary analysis. It seeks, at first, to analyze the patriarchy and subjugation of women, highlighting their persistence in contemporary society, especially in domestic violence and male control over women. Despite the advances of the feminist movement, there are still deeply rooted gender inequalities. The evolution of family power will be demonstrated, emphasizing the importance of the absolute protection of children and adolescents, including the right to family life after separation from parents. It also seeks to examine maternity and paternity leave in Brazil, highlighting the disparity between them and the need to balance parental rights and duties. Finally, it will be analyzed whether inequality in maternity and paternity leave violates gender equality, negatively affecting the development of children. It is proposed, at the end, the equalization of licenses to promote gender equality and ensure the equitable participation of parents in family life.