A draft law of the Labour and Social Affairs Ministry envisions stricter measures against sex discrimination.

Few fathers use the option to take a paid leave in order to take care of their child, ministry representative Lilia Abadjieva said. Current legislation provides these options for both parents, Dnevnik newspaper reported.

Though Bulgaria is not EU member yet, Brussels criticised labour regulations and advocated the removal of some questionable conditions. Employers can hire members from the more weakly represented sex in the company to achieve balance, according to EU suggestions.

Modifications in the law against discrimination need to be approved by the end of March. Experts said new regulations would not work unless society is willing to accept a different mindset.

Research shows that with Bulgaria’s transition to market economy more men are entering typically female professional fields. Still, a number of professions are considered entirely female, including nursing and kindergarten instruction.