Championing Parental Rights for a Better Workplace Tomorrow
Championing Parental Rights for a Better Workplace Tomorrow
The Issue
In 2015, when my son was born prematurely, I faced an impossible choice: prioritize my family or my career. Despite requesting paternity leave—a legal right—it was denied. I chose to be by my son’s side, knowing that family comes first. Upon returning to work, I was met with daily harassment, stripped of my responsibilities, and ultimately terminated without compensation.
This experience isn’t just my story—it’s a reflection of a global issue. Harassment and retaliation are far too common in workplaces worldwide, forcing countless employees to suffer in silence. No one should have to choose between their family and their career. No one should endure abuse for asserting their rights.
But there is hope. Since I began advocating for change, Japan’s paternity leave usage has risen from a mere 3% in 2015 to over 30% today. More fathers are stepping up to be present for their children, with studies showing that involved dads lead to better emotional and developmental outcomes for kids. Globally, workplaces that support parental leave are reporting higher employee satisfaction and retention rates, showing that policies rooted in dignity and respect are better for everyone.
Through my work and my book, Too Big to Care, I’m calling on companies across the globe to adopt zero-tolerance policies for harassment and foster workplace cultures built on equity and respect. Harassment has no place in any organization—anywhere.
The momentum is growing. Conversations about employee rights, inclusion, and accountability are happening now, and meaningful progress is being made. Our work has sparked real change, and I am committed to continuing this fight until all workplaces are safe and supportive for everyone.
We’ve launched a new website to share resources and updates and to drive this movement forward.
Sign this petition, share it with your friends and colleagues, and join us in this fight for justice. Together, we can build workplaces where every employee feels valued and respected—and where stories like mine inspire progress, not silence. Let’s prove that a better future for employees everywhere is not only possible—it’s already underway.
31,423
The Issue
In 2015, when my son was born prematurely, I faced an impossible choice: prioritize my family or my career. Despite requesting paternity leave—a legal right—it was denied. I chose to be by my son’s side, knowing that family comes first. Upon returning to work, I was met with daily harassment, stripped of my responsibilities, and ultimately terminated without compensation.
This experience isn’t just my story—it’s a reflection of a global issue. Harassment and retaliation are far too common in workplaces worldwide, forcing countless employees to suffer in silence. No one should have to choose between their family and their career. No one should endure abuse for asserting their rights.
But there is hope. Since I began advocating for change, Japan’s paternity leave usage has risen from a mere 3% in 2015 to over 30% today. More fathers are stepping up to be present for their children, with studies showing that involved dads lead to better emotional and developmental outcomes for kids. Globally, workplaces that support parental leave are reporting higher employee satisfaction and retention rates, showing that policies rooted in dignity and respect are better for everyone.
Through my work and my book, Too Big to Care, I’m calling on companies across the globe to adopt zero-tolerance policies for harassment and foster workplace cultures built on equity and respect. Harassment has no place in any organization—anywhere.
The momentum is growing. Conversations about employee rights, inclusion, and accountability are happening now, and meaningful progress is being made. Our work has sparked real change, and I am committed to continuing this fight until all workplaces are safe and supportive for everyone.
We’ve launched a new website to share resources and updates and to drive this movement forward.
Sign this petition, share it with your friends and colleagues, and join us in this fight for justice. Together, we can build workplaces where every employee feels valued and respected—and where stories like mine inspire progress, not silence. Let’s prove that a better future for employees everywhere is not only possible—it’s already underway.
31,423
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 17 September 2019