Saudi Arabia’s PIF Funds Maternity Leave for WTA Players: A…

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has initiated a maternity fund providing WTA players with paid maternity leave for up to 12 months and access to fertility treatment grants. Over 320 players will benefit from this program, marking a significant milestone in women’s professional sports. Notable endorsements from players such as Belinda Bencic and Victoria Azarenka underscore the program’s positive impact.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), has launched a maternity fund program to support female tennis players. This initiative offers paid maternity leave for up to twelve months to over 320 eligible WTA players. In addition to maternity benefits, players will have access to grants for fertility treatments, promoting family development alongside their professional careers.

To qualify for this financial assistance, players must participate in a specified number of WTA tournaments within a designated timeframe. Swiss tennis player Belinda Bencic expressed her approval of the program, highlighting its significance for female athletes aspiring to balance family and career. “It’s the best news really,” she stated, indicating pride in the WTA for leading this groundbreaking initiative in women’s sports.

Victoria Azarenka, a representative on the WTA players’ council and two-time Grand Slam champion, welcomed the program as a vital change in supporting women in tennis. She emphasized that it would facilitate athletes in achieving their goals of starting families while pursuing their careers. Portia Archer, the CEO of WTA, noted that the initiative is designed to provide flexibility and support to current and future players considering family life.

Historically, several female tennis players have paused their careers for motherhood, with varying impacts on their professional journeys. Presently, there are 25 active players on the tour who are mothers. Notable examples include Kim Clijsters, who won three Grand Slam titles after becoming a mother, and Serena Williams, who faced challenges in her career following childbirth but reached finals post-pregnancy.

Critically, while Saudi Arabia has faced scrutiny regarding women’s rights, it has made significant strides in tennis, such as hosting the WTA Finals in Riyadh. This partnership with the PIF indicates a commitment to enhancing the sport’s presence and support systems for women in the region.

The recent initiative by Saudi Arabia’s PIF to fund paid maternity leave for WTA players marks a critical advancement in women’s sports. By offering up to twelve months of paid leave and support for fertility treatments, the program aims to empower female athletes to balance professional aspirations with family planning. This groundbreaking step reflects a growing acknowledgment of the challenges faced by female tennis players, signifying an evolution in the sport’s approach to supporting women.

Original Source: www.news18.com