As she gets ready to make her way back to the Australian Open, which she has won twice, tennis champion Naomi Osaka recently talked about parenting and being a new mom to her daughter Shai, whom she shares with rapper Cordae.
Osaka returned to the tour earlier this month at her first big competition after becoming a mother, the Brisbane International, according to The New York Beacon. However, according to The Guardian, in the second round, three-time winner Karolina Pliskova triumphed against Osaka.
In an interview with Glamour, the 26-year-old advocated for the implementation of paid parental leave. Osaka discovered that the United States is among the few nations without a national paid parental leave policy while she was a young lady residing in the country.
She said, “When I heard the stats, I was really shocked. I’m lucky enough to not have to go straight into work, but I needed that time to process everything that’s happened and, of course, get to know my baby.”
In addition, Osaka and formula company Bobbie are launching a new advertising campaign that includes 50 cash handouts for 50 families to help them temporarily while pushing for federally paid leave.
According to data, the United States is one of only six nations in the world without a national paid parental leave policy. It said 73% of Americans do not have paid leave through their workplaces, and one in every four women returned to work within two weeks of giving birth as a result of the lack thereof.
On Instagram, Osaka shared a video of herself and Shai and encouraged others with the caption, “Being a parent is hard. As a professional athlete I am no stranger to hard work or early mornings, but the last 6 months as a new mom has given me a whole new appreciation and understanding of what parents do every single day.”
“And I recognize that I’m fortunate to have the support to return to work this month on my own terms, in my own time. So many American parents don’t have that choice. But we ALL deserve it.”
She continued: “84% of Americans support paid leave, and yet 73% of parents don’t have it. If passed, the Family and Medical Leave Act would give 12 weeks paid leave, job protection, and guarantee a minimum monthly benefit of $580. So, while we fight to pass it this year, Bobbie and I are giving $580 to 50 families, called the N.O. Support Grants. It’s not a solution, but it’s a start. I hope you will join me in getting loud about this issue on behalf of all new parents in America.”
In conclusion, she asked supporters to “Apply for a N.O. Support Grant at the link in my bio. #BobbiePartner #parentspushharder.”
