Recoge: 1. Introduction. - 2. The national focus of 'make work pay' debates en relation to social protection and social inclusion-an evaluation from a gender pespective. - 3. The impact of maternity and parental leave on employment. - 4. The impact of parental leave or extended absence for childcare ('returners') on eligibility for active labour market measures, lifelong learning or other training provisions. - 5. Conclusion.