What is the minimum requirement of monthly contributions for a female employee to qualify for maternity leave?

To qualify for maternity leave, a female employee must have made a minimum of three contributions within the twelve months preceding the leave. This requirement ensures that the employee has had some level of participation in the contributory social security scheme, thereby establishing entitlement to benefits that support her during maternity.

By having this requirement, the system aims to balance ensuring that benefits are provided to those who have contributed adequately while also safeguarding the financial sustainability of these benefits. This understanding is critical for ensuring that employees are aware of the contributions they need to maintain to secure their maternity rights. The other options listed either provide a shorter timeframe for contributions or fewer contributions, which do not align with the established criteria for qualifying for maternity leave.