Blog #39

In order to obtain a successful/work balance particularly for professional women, there is no question that we need a change in policies beginning with reshaping the structured organizations as the rules and standard norms have been set by men. Now with women being almost have of the entire workforce it is more imperative that policies reflect their needs and that they too be taken into consideration. When the ‘ideal worker norm’ was created, women stayed home and they cared for children but with in an increasing demand for a double income or simply the desire to be independent it has become challenging for women to remain in the workforce and make progress professionally and monetarily as the structure of the organization do not permit it. Repeatedly, we have seen in the course material, our interviews, the videos and in English’s book that women are forced to sacrifice prestige, income, reputation, credibility, and roles of leadership because they choose to also be mothers and raise children. In order to envision, English’s reimaging of the future, it will be necessary to accommodate women’s needs and those of their multiple roles. Wouldn’t you agree that it is reasonable? The most ideal setting would be an organization that offered child care onsite to allow women to visit with their children and nurse them if necessary. Having available childcare as a bonus will not only boost morale in the organization but it will take away from the stress of looking for an adequate provider as moms are more likely to be involved in making this arrangement. Another option that should be offered to women and caregivers is flexibility with the work schedule as it can be challenging to find a balance between both without it. Most importantly, we need to promote for more family friendly policies overall as that will create awareness and the due respect that the responsibilities of women deserve otherwise housework and child raising will continue to be regarded as women’s work that is expected but simply not applauded or commended enough. Only we women with children understand that it really takes much work, effort and competence to be able to manage our multiple roles and to do so effectively. We women are wonderful, there’s no doubt about it!