Shopping Basket
Shopping Basket

Lucy's blog

Lucy Quick - Principal of Perform

Click here to show all blogs


Are we REALLY still discussing whether women should work or not?

20th May 2013

I was watching BBC Breakfast on Monday morning and there was a debate on between two working mothers about whether women should feel guilty about working. The two mums were expressing different views on the subject.

My immediate thought was ?Are we REALLY still discussing this subject in 2013??

My reaction reminded me of the episode in Scandinavian drama Borgen when Denmark's female Prime Minister has taken time off work because her daughter is seriously sick. Predictably, the Danish media starts raising questions such are "Can a woman be a Prime Minister?" , "Can a woman juggle home life and work life?" and "Should a woman be in politics?"

In answer, the Prime Minister delivers a brilliant speech to her Parliament reminding them about Denmark's first four female MPs who were elected in 1918 when the debate on female politicians ended. She then goes on to say ?And if anyone wants to discuss whether women should be in politics or not, then you are 100 years too late?.

I've always been a working mother and that's for two reasons: I love my job and, frankly, my family need the income. I also know that, given my personality, I would not be happy as a stay-at-home mum. That's not to say that I don't agree with those who are - it's simply not for me.

My Mum didn't work, she was always ?physically? there for me and she was a great mum. But I don't think that she was a better mum than I am. She did what was right for her and I do what is right for me and, hopefully, we are both good mothers.

And isn't that the point? If we want to or need to work ? great. If we don't want to or don't have to work ? that's fine too. But why on earth is the topic of whether women should feel guilty for working still up for discussion? Is it the fault of a lazy unimaginative media or do many people still find the issue pertinent? Do let me know your thoughts via the comments.

 

Tags: parenting, parents, Working Mums