Maternity leave is a period of absence from work granted to a woman before and after the birth of her child. It is a legal right in many countries, and is intended to provide time for the mother to recover from childbirth, bond with her newborn, and adjust to her new role as a parent.

The duration of maternity leave and the benefits provided during this time can vary widely depending on the country and the employer. Some countries have statutory maternity leave, which is a legal right that is provided by the government, while others may have a more flexible policy that is decided by the employer.

Typically, maternity leave is unpaid in some countries, while in others it can be partially or fully paid. Some countries provide additional benefits such as health insurance, and also protection against discrimination or dismissal from the job due to pregnancy.

It's important to note that some countries also provide paternity leave for fathers, which allows them to take time off work to support the mother and their new child.

Maternity leave is an important benefit for working mothers, as it allows them to take the time they need to care for their new child without risking their job or financial security. It also helps to promote gender equality in the workplace.