Dads Dress Statues for Paternity Leave

In a peculiar twist, London's iconic statues are shedding their usual grandeur and embracing a new role: fathers. From the stoic figure of Isambard Kingdom Brunel to the triumphant pose of Thierry Henry, these bronze giants have been adorned with baby slings, prompting passersby to wonder about the unexpected transformation.

This unusual spectacle is the brainchild of The Dad Shift, a group advocating for improved paternity leave policies in the United Kingdom. Their aim? To highlight the often-overlooked contributions fathers make in raising children and to demand greater support for families.

The statues, strategically chosen for their prominence, serve as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of fathers' involvement in family life. The baby slings, a symbol of nurturing and care, challenge traditional notions of masculinity and fatherhood.

The group's efforts come at a time when the U.K. lags behind many of its European counterparts in providing adequate paternity leave. The current policy offers just two weeks of paid leave, a stark contrast to countries like France and Spain, which offer significantly more time for new fathers to bond with their children.

The Dad Shift hopes their bold campaign will pressure the U.K. government to take action and ensure that fathers have the opportunity to fully participate in their children's lives, without facing financial burdens.