The Hidden Barriers for Working Mothers

Our recent LinkedIn poll brought YOUR opinions to light: 42% of respondents believe bias against mothers is the biggest barrier for women in the hiring process. 

This isn't far from reality. In a survey of 24,193 parents by Pregnant Then Screwed and Women in Data, 52% of mothers have faced some form of discrimination at work. 

1 in 5 then went on to leave their role.

Balancing Motherhood and Career 

As a working mother, I've experienced this firsthand. I remember being in a crucial meeting when my child's school called repeatedly. The internal struggle was intense. I was thinking, I just need to stop whatever the hell I'm doing because my child is more important than anything that I'm doing over here. But I stayed, finished the meeting, and later learned my son had been taken to the hospital. The guilt was overwhelming.

But then I learned this isn't just a single parent issue. Regardless of having spouses or not, 86% of women handle housework, childcare, and their careers simultaneously. It's an unsustainable juggling act that forces many to choose between work and family. We're forcing women into making a choice of having babies or going to work. 

Creating Equitable Workplaces 

As Lucy Chamberlain of C and C Search notes, "This is a hugely important initiative to help create a more equal world of work. We need environments that are safe for women, better designed for women and where women can thrive."

That's why we're so proud of the work we do at WCorp. We're committed to creating workplaces that support all parents, not just mothers. Kenneth Nel of The Digital Coach stated, "After going through WCorp's certification process, I realized I'd been living in a bubble about women in the workplace. It made me rethink how I approach certain situations and give my team more airtime."

Aileen Boyle of Fortro captures our mission perfectly: "You can't be what you can't see. If I want to be part of a global economy that absolutely values women's input, it has to start with me."

Empowering Women Leaders: The Path Forward

I also recognize that many women feel trapped in their roles due to these pressures. Up to 30% of women think I've got to leave work - not because they don't need the money, but because they actually can't cope with any level of sanity having to constantly choose between their child and their job. (Forbes) 

To further support women in the workplace, we've launched a leadership/mentorship program connecting aspiring entrepreneurs and businesswomen with trailblazers. We're committed to boosting confidence and creating a more equitable work environment for all.

The future of leadership is women. Join us in making it a reality.