The Struggle of Modern Women

01 Jun 2023

Published in: Blog

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Balancing Motherhood, Work, and Household Responsibilities

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In today's society, women are embracing their roles as mothers while also pursuing their careers and ambitions. However, a significant burden often falls upon them as they find themselves juggling the majority of household and childcare responsibilities.

This unbalanced distribution of duties poses challenges and highlights the need for a more equitable division of labour.  In this post, we will explore the pressures faced by women in this generation, the impact on their personal and professional lives, and the importance of promoting shared responsibilities within households.

The Evolution of Women's Roles

Over the past few decades, the roles and expectations for women have transformed significantly. Today, more women are pursuing higher education and entering the workforce, contributing to the growth and development of their families and society as a whole. This shift has brought about new challenges as women now navigate the intricate balancing act of being a mother and maintaining a career.

The Balancing Act

The modern woman is expected to excel both in her professional life and as a nurturing mother. However, the reality often differs from the ideal. Studies consistently show that women tend to shoulder a disproportionate amount of household chores and childcare responsibilities. This imbalance not only affects their physical and mental well-being but also impedes their professional growth and potential.

The additional and sometimes invisible work women undertake before they leave and after they return home after a day in the workforce. It includes tasks such as feeding children, school runs,   cooking, cleaning, helping children with homework, and ensuring a smooth-running household. This demanding routine leaves little time for personal self-care or pursuing hobbies, causing   exhaustion and stress for women.

The Professional Toll

While striving to meet expectations on multiple fronts, working mothers often face unique challenges in their careers. Balancing childcare responsibilities may lead to reduced work hours, limited   career advancement opportunities, or even opting for part-time work or career breaks. This imbalance perpetuates gender inequality in the workplace and limits the potential contributions of   talented and capable women.

 Shared Responsibilities

It is crucial to address the issue of unequal distribution of household and childcare duties to support the overall well-being of women and their families. Achieving a more equitable balance involves cultivating a mindset of shared responsibilities within households. Here are some key steps toward achieving this:

Open Communication

Initiate honest and open conversations within the family about the distribution of responsibilities, ensuring that everyone understands the challenges faced by women and the importance of sharing the load.

Breaking Stereotypes

Challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes by encouraging boys and girls to participate equally in household chores and caregiving activities from an early age. This helps inculcate a sense of shared responsibility and respect for all family members.

Supportive Workplaces

Employers can play a significant role in promoting work-life balance by implementing family-friendly policies, such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and childcare facilities. These measures empower women to fulfill their roles as both mothers and professionals.

Seeking Help

It's essential for women to seek support from their partners, extended family, and even professional services when needed. Asking for help should be seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Self-Care and Boundaries

Women must prioritize self-care and establish clear boundaries to maintain their well-being. This will involve learning the art of Saying No. Taking time for themselves not only benefits their personal health but also enhances their ability to fulfill their various roles effectively.

The Juggle

Women in this generation face the unique challenge of juggling motherhood, work, and the majority of household and childcare responsibilities. We are living with men who may have been raised by families where the traditional roles were in place…

Some examples:

• Mom cooks the meals (At least 3 times a day)
• Mom does the shopping (At least once a week)
• Mom does the washing, drying, folding, ironing (Every day)
• Dad mows the lawn (Once a month and only for around 8 months of the year)
• Dad does the decorating (Once a year maybe)
• Dad drives to hobbies (Approx 3 times a week)

These are just a few examples of the imbalance in a lot of households (including mine)

Achieving a more equal division within households is essential for supporting women's professional and personal growth, and creating happier, healthier families.

By embracing shared responsibilities and breaking free from traditional gender roles, we can ensure that women have the opportunity to thrive in all aspects of their lives while being valued as equal partners in the home and society. 

In doing this, we are raising our children to normalise this in their homes in years to come.