A family-friendly walk is taking place in Leeds, calling for better paternity leave and more equal parenting from day one.
Push for Paternity Leave brings parents, carers and supporters together to raise awareness of how the UK’s parental leave system impacts families.
Event details
Date: Saturday 18 April 2026
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Start: Briggate, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6AS
End: Leeds Civic Hall, Millennium Square, LS1 1UR
Hosted by Leeds Dads, the walk is part of a national day of action ahead of Equal Parenting Week.
What to expect
- A relaxed, pram-friendly walk through Leeds city centre (around 1 mile)
- Short speeches from parents and local voices
- Time to connect with other families after the walk
- Opportunities to share experiences of paternity leave and flexible working
This is an inclusive event. While dads and non-birthing parents are encouraged to attend, everyone is welcome — including mums, co-parents, carers, grandparents and supporters.
Why this matters
Many families continue to face challenges around unequal care, limited flexibility and financial pressures.
- Mothers take on significantly more unpaid childcare
- Many dads take little or no paternity leave due to affordability
- Workplace and policy systems can make shared care harder
This event aims to highlight these issues and support a push for change, including calls for improved paternity leave.
Practical information
- The route is step-free and suitable for prams
- The walk takes around 25 minutes
- Toilets and baby changing facilities are available along the route
- The event will go ahead in all weather — please dress accordingly
Get involved
Bring your pram, children and supporters, and join others across Leeds to take part.
If you cannot attend, you can still support by sharing the event and helping raise awareness.
