Another #IWD2023 blog post, this time from Gemma Wells at The Opportunity Group.
The worries of working long hours whilst trying to be present for your children is a struggle that women still face.
A recent study found that many women feel forced to choose between being a mum over having a successful career; it’s a fine line getting the balance right.
One I struggle with.
Seeing some women forced into taking lower paid roles or even having no flexibility available to them when getting back into work is not acceptable. Childcare costs a huge worry – they have risen by 16% in the last 4 years!
If we are going to truly #embraceequity the cost of childcare and looking at flexible working options needs to a priority for all businesses and the government.
Lost and Desperate 
Very much so, certainly in a significant majority of organisations.
I think what bothers me nearly as much, though, is the patriarchal bias that means we’re almost never likely to read this equivalent of your second paragraph, though I’d be really keen to be told I’m wrong:
“A recent study found that many MEN feel forced to choose between being a PARENT over having a successful career; it’s a fine line getting the balance right.”
I do feel this society has a long way to go before shared parenting, in a male-female partnership, is seen as a given, rather than a novelty.
LikeLike
Spot. On.
Have added an edit of your comment to LinkedIn.
LikeLike