Having had the privilege of working in a corporate environment where female leaders are a norm, I always felt that it is possible for a woman to ‘have it all’ – i just didn’t know what it took! My simplistic definition of ‘having it all” includes a healthy marriage, family life, social life and a progressing career. It was only after starting a family that I found out how much effort it took for these female leaders to get to where they are in the corporate world. All is only possible with a supportive spouse, an amazing network of nannies, helpful extended family and domestic helpers.
For those who are not so lucky to have a supportive network, motherhood can have a negative impact on a woman’s career advancement, earnings, and overall economic well-being. This phenomenon is called “motherhood penalty”, and is often observed in various aspects of society, including the workplace, where mothers may face discrimination, biased treatment, or limited opportunities compared to women without children or men with children. It showed that for every child a woman has, her income decreases by ~4% while men’s income increases by ~6% when they become a father.
Globally, 95% of men aged 25-54 are in the workforce. For women in the same age group, only 52% are in the workforce. On average, 24% of women leave the workforce in the first year after giving birth, 5 years later 17% are still absent and after 10 years, 15% still haven’t returned to the workforce.
Here are several more common factors that contribute to the “motherhood penalty”:
Bias and Stereotypes: There are pervasive stereotypes and biases that assume mothers are less committed, competent, or available for work compared to individuals without children. These stereotypes can influence hiring decisions, promotions, and opportunities for career advancement.i
Work-Life Balance Challenges: Mothers often juggle multiple responsibilities, including caregiving and household duties, which can make it difficult to maintain a demanding career. Employers may perceive mothers as less available or willing to work long hours or take on additional responsibilities, leading to missed opportunities for advancement.
Limited Access to Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, can help mothers balance work and family responsibilities. However, not all employers offer these options, and even when available, mothers may hesitate to take advantage of them for fear of being perceived as less committed or dedicated to their jobs.
Wage Gap: Mothers, particularly single mothers, often earn less than their childless counterparts or fathers. This wage gap can result from a combination of factors, including interruptions in career progression due to caregiving responsibilities, discrimination in pay and promotions, and occupational segregation.
Career Interruptions: Many mothers take time off work or reduce their working hours to care for children, which can disrupt their careers and hinder their ability to maintain skills, networks, and professional development opportunities.
Overcoming this penalty can be challenging, but here are some strategies that may help:
Negotiate Flexibility: Negotiate with your employer for flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. This can help you balance your work and family responsibilities more effectively.
Plan Ahead: Before taking maternity leave, discuss with your employer how your workload will be managed during your absence and how you can smoothly transition back into your role upon your return.
Stay Visible: Stay engaged in your work and maintain a visible presence in the workplace even while on maternity leave. Keep in touch with colleagues and supervisors, and express your interest in remaining involved in important projects or decisions.
Seek Support: Seek out support networks both within and outside of your workplace. This can include mentorship programs, professional organizations for working mothers, or online communities where you can share experiences and advice with other women facing similar challenges.
Invest in Skills: Continuously invest in your skills and professional development to remain competitive in the job market. Consider pursuing additional training, certifications, or higher education opportunities that can enhance your qualifications and open up new career paths.
Challenge Bias: Advocate for policies and practices within your organization that promote gender equality and support working parents. Challenge bias and stereotypes about working mothers by highlighting the value they bring to the workplace and the importance of accommodating their needs.
Know Your Worth: Research and understand your market value in terms of salary, benefits, and advancement opportunities. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for fair compensation and recognition of your contributions, regardless of your parental status.
Consider Alternative Paths: If your current workplace does not offer sufficient support for working mothers, consider exploring alternative career paths such as freelancing, entrepreneurship, or transitioning to a company with a more family-friendly culture.
We must remember that overcoming the “motherhood penalty” often requires persistence, resilience, and advocating for yourself in both professional and personal spheres. By implementing these strategies and seeking out support where needed, you can navigate the challenges of balancing motherhood and career aspirations more effectively.
To reach the My Money Insights editorial team on your feedback, story ideas and pitches, contact us here.