Push for Paternity Leave With Leeds Dads

Push for Paternity Leave - Saturday 2nd May 2026

Hosted by Leeds Dads

Brought to you by Leeds Dads, Parenting Out Loud, Equal Parenting Week/Growth Spurt/Manchester Walking Mums Club

Saturday, 2nd May 11am to 1pm
Location: Briggate LS1 6AS to Leeds Civic Hall, Millennium Square LS1 1UR

Overview

We’re taking prams and parents to the streets.

Join us in Leeds for Push for Paternity Leave, a family friendly walk calling for better paternity leave and more equal parenting from day one.

Hosted by Leeds Dads as part of a national day of action ahead of Equal Parenting Week, this peaceful walk brings parents together to raise awareness of how the UK’s parental leave system impacts families.

While we’re especially encouraging dads, father figures and non birthing parents to come with prams, this walk is for everyone.

Mums, dads, co parents, carers, grandparents and supporters are all welcome, whether your children are babies, teens or all grown up.

This is a relaxed, inclusive community walk followed by short speeches and time to connect with other families.

This is a peaceful, inclusive, family-friendly walk pushing for policies and cultures that support shared care from day one.

Why now?

Families in Leeds and across the UK are struggling with unequal care loads, limited flexible working and one of the least supportive parental leave systems in Europe.

• Mothers do around 60% more unpaid childcare and lose an average of £65,000 within five years of their first child
• 88% of the gender pay gap is linked to the motherhood penalty
• 1 in 5 dads take no paternity leave at all, often because they cannot afford to

This is not about individual choices. It is about systems and workplace cultures that make shared care harder for families.

The Government is currently undertaking a parental leave review which concludes in early 2027, making this a key moment to push for change.

The campaign is calling for paternity leave to increase to six weeks paid at 90% of salary, helping families share care more equally from the start.

What to expect

• A gentle family friendly walk through Leeds City Centre, from Briggate LS1 6AS to Leeds Civic Hall, Millennium Square LS1 1UR
• Short speeches from parents and local voices
• Photo and media moments
• Time to connect and play afterwards

• We’ll be making a video of our own so will be talking to parents about their experiences of paternity leave and flexible working

• If the weather’s good, we’ll enjoy for some social time - a chance to connect, talk, and build community after the walk

Bring your prams, babies, children, and allies.
Let’s show Leeds believes in equal parenting.

Practical Information

• We will meet in Briggate  before setting off for the walk along Boar Lane, Park Row, and Cookridge Street to Leeds Civic Hall, Millennium Square LS1 1UR 
• The 1 mile walk takes about 25 mins and the route is gentle and suitable for prams
• Toilet facilities and baby changing are available at cafes and bars along the route
• Please dress for the weather and bring anything you need for little ones
  
  

Push for Paternity Leave is brought to you nationally by Equal Parenting Week, Parenting Out Loud and Growth Spurt, with support from Leeds Dads, Manchester Walking Mums Club, and organisations championing better outcomes for parents and families across the UK.

Frequently asked questions

Where do we meet?

We will meet in Briggate LS1 6AS before setting off for the walk together.

How long is the walk?

The walk to Leeds Civic Hall, Millennium Square LS1 1UR  will be pram friendly and approximately 1 mile.

Are there toilets and baby changing facilities?

Yes, public toilets and baby changing facilities are available along the route.

Will water be available?

Please bring your own water bottle. There are plenty of benevolent pubs and cafés nearby.

Can I bring children?

Yes. This is a family friendly event and children are very welcome.

Who is welcome to attend?

All Leeds Dads’ supporters are invited. While we are especially encouraging dads, father figures and non birthing parents, mums, carers, grandparents and supporters are all welcome.

What if it rains?

Highly likely(!) The walk will go ahead whatever the weather, so please dress appropriately and bring rain covers or umbrellas if needed.

Can I bring a banner or placard supporting the campaign?

Yes, absolutely. We encourage family friendly signs supporting equal parenting.

What if I cannot attend in person?

You can still support by sharing the event on social media and helping spread the message.

Who can I speak to on the day if I need help?

Please look out for Leeds Dads stewards who will be there to support throughout the event.

Will there be photography or filming?

There will be photography and filming on the day for campaign and community promotion. Please speak to a steward if you prefer not to be included.

Will the event end after the speeches?

If the weather’s good, we’ll enjoy for some social time - a chance to play, connect, talk, and build community after the walk.

Organized by Leeds Dads