The Alliance Party is proposing at least 52 weeks of paid parental leave as part of a new gender equality and economic security policy.

The policy, released on Wednesday, also includes a Universal Child Benefit, stronger pay equity measures, expanded childcare support and changes to employment law.

Currently parents receive 26 weeks of government funded paid parental leave.

Alliance Party national secretary and gender equality spokesperson Sionainn Byrnes said legal rights alone did not remove the economic barriers faced by women.

“Legal equality is necessary, but it is not enough. Women need the economic security, public services, and practical support that allow them to exercise their rights and participate fully in society.”

Under the proposal, eligible workers would receive at least 52 weeks of paid parental leave, with casual, seasonal and part time workers included.

The party said its parental leave system would recognise caring responsibilities shared between parents and caregivers.

It is also proposing a Universal Child Benefit for every child, paid directly to the principal caregiver and indexed to movements in average weekly earnings.

“Raising children and caring for whānau should not push people into poverty, reduce their retirement security, or limit their opportunities at work. Properly recognising care work is non negotiable,” Byrnes said.

The policy proposes establishing a Pay Equity Bureau to monitor and enforce pay equity, alongside stronger employment equity legislation and greater wage transparency.

It would allow collective and class based claims where discrimination was systemic and comparisons between female dominated and male dominated occupations when assessing work of equal value.

The Alliance is also proposing more accessible and affordable childcare, including nonprofit and publicly supported services catering for parents working shifts, evenings, nights and weekends.

Other proposals include universal access to contraception through the public health system, free and accessible abortion services, comprehensive age appropriate sexuality education and an informed consent model for gender affirming care.

The party also wants secure long term funding for women’s refuges and specialist services, affordable housing for women fleeing violence, gender impact assessments of government decisions and a gradual move towards a 35 hour working week without a reduction in income.

“Women’s equality must mean economic independence, control over our own bodies, freedom from violence, and an equal voice in the decisions that shape our lives,” Byrnes said.