Belgium

Belgium is a country with diverse regional and cultural identities. The three main regions are Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. The main languages are Flemish and French, with a German-speaking minority. Belgium is a highly developed country, and mothers benefit from an extensive social support network; three phases of family policies support motherhood. Women also have high participation rates in all levels of education

The fertility rate is low and the divorce rate is the highest in the European Union, but children and family are important parts of women's identities. Many Roman Catholics in Belgium historically opposed legalization of divorce, abortion, and contraception, but there is currently a high use of modern contraceptives. The vast majority of births are attended by skilled personnel. Belgium's low rate of 1.65 children per mother has been below replacement rate since the mid-1970s, similar to the rest of northern Europe. Family size is small. Belgium has an explicit family-leave policy, with the regional governments responsible for family policies.

Government policies support the traditional family, with a generous child allowance. Universal, taxfree cash benefits, among the highest in Europe, are provided for employed families with a child under 18. Mothers are eligible for a 15-week maternity leave at 82 percent of income for the first 30 days, and 75 percent thereafter, up to an income ceiling; fathers have several days of paid leave around the birth.

Belgium has the highest divorce rate in the European Union. The total divorce rate was 18.4 percent in 1980, 30.6 percent in 1990, and 45.1 percent [Page 109]in 2000. The government provides a means-tested social assistance benefit for lone parents and guarantees three months of maintenance payments for up to three months if the noncustodial parent fails to pay support. Traditionally, Belgian men were the wage earners and women took care of the home and children. The traditional model has shifted; in most families, both parents work full time or the mother works part time. By 3 months of age, one-third of children are in regular care, and by 6 months of age, half of children are in regular care, 75 percent of whom are in publicly funded crèches or with daycare mothers; the rest are primarily with grandparents. Families receive tax credits for recognized daycare.

Most children go to school at age 3. Educational attainment is high, with 85 percent of girls enrolled in secondary education; women account for 66 percent of postsecondary enrollment.

While 75 percent of Belgians are Catholic, few practice the religion. The Roman Catholic identity was a deterrent to legalizing divorce, abortion, and the availability of contraception. Prior to 1973, the law forbade mention, advertising, or distribution of contraceptives. Abortion was legalized in 1990. Use of modern contraceptive methods is about 80 percent; condom use is increasingly popular among young Belgians. Prenatal care is covered by health insurance; virtually all births are attended by skilled personnel. Belgian family policies supporting motherhood were instituted in three phases. Family enabling (1930) focused on income maintenance for the traditional mother-at-home family. Service building (1960s-70s) focused on family planning education and childcare. Family empowerment (1980s-90s) focused on family-life balance and shifting childcare and housework to family responsibilities of men as well as women.

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