Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is launching a program with the WTA to provide paid maternity leave of up to 12 months for female tennis players. The initiative aims to support over 320 players and includes grants for fertility treatments. Prominent players, including Belinda Bencic and Victoria Azarenka, have praised this significant development for women’s sports, indicating a progressive shift in the atmosphere surrounding female athletes.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has announced a collaboration with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to provide paid maternity leave of up to 12 months for eligible tennis players. This initiative is part of the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, which aims to benefit over 320 players on the women’s tennis circuit, marking a significant advancement in support for female athletes.
For the first time, WTA players will receive this substantial maternity leave, along with grants for fertility treatments, fostering a supportive environment for players considering family planning. However, players must meet certain competitive requirements to qualify for these benefits, ensuring continued participation in the circuit.
Belinda Bencic, an Olympic gold medalist, expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting it as a proud moment for female sports. She acknowledged the importance of this support for lower-ranked players who struggle financially during maternity and their return to the sport.
Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Grand Slam winner, reinforced the significance of this change, describing it as a crucial step towards enhancing support for female athletes. The WTA’s CEO, Portia Archer, emphasized that this initiative will empower both current and future players to balance their careers with family aspirations, reflecting a commitment to fostering a progressive environment within the sport.
Historically, many female players have paused their careers to become mothers and faced varied impacts upon their return. Several mothers, including Kim Clijsters and Naomi Osaka, have successfully resumed their careers, illustrating that it is possible to manage both professional tennis and family life. Notably, 25 active WTA players are currently mothers, indicating a growing trend of motherhood within the sport.
Despite previous criticisms regarding its women’s rights record, Saudi Arabia’s enhanced investment in tennis is becoming evident, with recent events such as the WTA Finals hosted in Riyadh. This ongoing partnership between the PIF and WTA suggests a deeper commitment to promoting women’s tennis in the region.
In summary, the Saudi government, through its Public Investment Fund, has taken a groundbreaking step towards supporting female athletes by providing paid maternity leave and fertility treatment grants through the WTA. This initiative not only enhances the work-life balance for female tennis players but also sets a precedent in women’s sports globally. It reflects a commitment to fostering a supportive athletic environment where players can pursue both their careers and family aspirations effectively.
Original Source: www.news18.com
