International Women’s Day 2024: Workin’ Mums

This year's theme for International Women's Day, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ is aimed at tackling economic disempowerment. This resonates with me as it will with so many women. As I reflect on my journey back to the workplace after maternity leave, I wanted to share my experience and shed light on some challenges faced specifically by working mothers.

Joining Atmo Technology after nine months of maternity leave was a significant transition for me. The period of adjusting to motherhood and contemplating my return to work was a transformative phase. It had taken a good 6 months post partum for me to even consider what I was going to do about work - god knows how those with worse maternity benefits than the UK fare (I’m looking at the USA and their average 4 weeks of leave ??).

I am so grateful for the supportive environment at Atmo, where my recent absence from the workforce was not questioned but rather embraced as a valuable experience that enriched my skill set.

Unfortunately, the reality for many women is stark. According to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, a shocking 54,000 women a year are forced out of their jobs due to maternity discrimination in the UK alone. The demands of new motherhood often require flexibility and part-time and remote working, aspects that are not always accommodated by traditional workplaces.

One of the things that enticed me to want to work for Atmo was their attitude towards flexibility, and the enthusiasm they showed towards being inclusive of my needs as a new mum. “Family-first” was mentioned at my interview. “How many days do you want to work?” is not a question you normally expect to answer. Something the leadership here considers normal has been so valuable to me, and from experience I know I’d have struggled to consistently find this elsewhere.

The challenges for mums extend beyond the workplace. Childcare costs can be (read: are) exorbitant, making it difficult for mothers to balance work and family responsibilities. When companies fail to provide the needed support, talented mothers are compelled to leave the workforce, resulting in a loss for both the individual and the organisation - a phenomenon known as the motherhood penalty.

In the face of these challenges, it is crucial to advocate for change and invest in working mothers. Organisation Pregnant Then Screwed provides valuable insights into the realities for working mums and advocates for legislative reforms. By joining in their initiatives, such as questionnaires and petitions, we can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive landscape for working mothers. Follow founder Joeli Brearley on LinkedIn for impassioned speeches and actionable takeaways.

There are also fantastic resources like The Women's Work Lab , which offers assistance in helping mothers re-enter the workforce and navigate the complexities of balancing work and family life. The current childcare system's limitations, such as the constraints of the 15 and 30 free hours scheme, highlight the need for comprehensive support structures that address the diverse needs of working families.

Diversity and inclusion are not merely buzzwords; they are essential components of a thriving workplace culture. Embracing diverse perspectives and experiences fosters innovation and drives success.?

Let's be better at taking action to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for working mothers. Together, we can inspire change and empower women to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

#InvestinWomen #AccelerateProgress #EmpowerWomen #InternationalWomensDay #DiversityAndInclusion