Women in Work Summit’s Post

It is an interesting societal question of how more women can stay engaged in the workforce while having and raising children. For me, a diversion was necessary. And I can say without a doubt that parenting is harder and also more worthwhile than all the items on my resume (before or after this article was published). I can also say without a doubt that early schooling matters incredibly for how people turn out. We must start valuing caretaking and educators so that societal goals around fertility and productivity incorporate quality childcare and education from Day One. Last but oh so not least, thank you Morehead Cain Foundation for everything you have contributed to my life. In a world focused on fear, what an absolute gift you give to underwite the development of human beings and let them run. We need more of the educational system to work this way. #tbt #women #meritocracy #pinkprint #morehead

A few weeks ago, I was in a meeting with Abosede George-Ogan, the powerhouse leading and promoting Women in Leadership through WILAN Global. She was discussing some of the issues that hinder women from attaining leadership positions and pointed out that childcare often becomes a major stumbling block for women's careers. That comment stuck with me. So many talented individuals find their professional momentum disrupted when they start families. The traditional work model often doesn't leave much room for juggling demanding schedules and the responsibilities of motherhood. But Abosede's point sparked a hopeful thought: what if organizations actively incorporated childcare into their structures? This wouldn't just be a perk, it would be a game-changer. Imagine a world where women could seamlessly transition between boardrooms and cribs, their careers flourishing alongside their families. This conversation sent me down a rabbit hole of reflection last week. Remote work, a concept often debated with its fair share of pros and cons, suddenly took on a new light. Could it be the answer? Could it be the bridge that allows women and organizations to meet in the middle? Remote work possibilities could empower mothers to stay engaged in their careers while nurturing their families. It wouldn't be a perfect solution, of course, but it could be a significant step towards a more balanced future. Throughout this whole exploration, one thing remains constant: my awe for women who navigate the demanding landscape of motherhood and career ambition. They are the ultimate jugglers, the CEOs of their households who are simultaneously scaling the corporate ladder. To every woman doing this, you are seen and you are heard and most importantly, thank you. Your dedication and resilience inspire me every day.

As an experienced professional itching for new opportunities to engage with forward thinking leaders and organizations in innovative engagement and program action planning I have been revisiting debates about the importance of strengthening intergenerational relationships in reshaping society for everyone’s benefit in the future. The 1960/1970's was a time of movement toward advancing equality for women, people of color, differing abilities, and also to combat the negative consequences of age segregation. But over the past 50 years in the US especially there has been an indication of greater age segregation in education, work, extended family and other aspects of society. Over my three + decades in the workplace I have gained immeasurable amounts on knowledge from people of other generations--how they experience the world, and how experiences different than mine influence decision-making. This 5 minute read from Nature Aging has some really good examples and motivations for prioritizing generations working together for the most innovative impact. https://lnkd.in/g-KWYQfW If you are an organization that pledges against ageism, please share your thoughts below?

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐠𝐢𝐮𝐦  For 18 months, the Degroof Petercam Foundation has explored the challenges of balancing parenthood and professional life. Our findings reveal significant issues in economic and social equity, public health, and public policy. Women in Belgium face disparities in employment, leading to financial instability, while parental burnout impacts both parents and children. If you want to learn more about it, please read the article below authored by Marie Melikov-Cleworth. The problem is so complex that we cannot tackle it alone: in collaboration with Make.org and our partners [Ligue des familles, Gezinsbond, Make Mothers Matter - MMM, Training institute for parental burnout at Université catholique de Louvain Isabelle Roskam, King Baudouin Foundation, @Planète Darons Axelle Ballieu 💥🌞, @CrisisKabinet Kinderopvang Heleen Struyven, Belgium's 40 under 40, European Food Banks Federation - FEBA, Le Petit vélo jaune, DUO for a JOB, Telos Impact, Impactoo asbl, Institute for the Equality of Women and Men], we've launched a nationwide, quadrilingual consultation. Using advanced AI tools, we aim to gather and prioritize citizen input to develop actionable solutions. 🗓️ Consultation open until June 30, 2024 📍 Share your insights: [parents.make.org] Join us in shaping a future where work and parenthood can thrive together! 🌟👨👩👧👦💼 https://lnkd.in/dUJ59z6v #DegroofPetercamFoundation #Employment #Parenthood #SocialInnovation

Motherhood should NOT be a career roadblock. I want to applaud Liz Elting for hammering this home in her latest Forbes piece on how organizations can create better workplaces for women. Liz also did a beautiful job spotlighting working moms, the challenges they face, and how companies should begin to think about supporting them. Liz stated: “Motherhood shouldn’t equate to a career setback. There are tested solutions businesses can put in place to make sure women aren’t put at a disadvantage for wanting to have children and advance their careers.” While she addressed benefits like paid leave and on-site childcare, what we’ve seen at LUMO is that working moms need more than just accommodations for their new life.  They need support and guidance in this new phase to make it an experience they truly own, where working parenthood becomes an uplevel moment, not an overwhelm one. Coaching serves as a powerful resource to not only support working parents as they re-enter the workforce, but to enable them to thrive upon return, not just survive. Parents can be your company’s best assets with the right support.  Thanks again Liz for shining a light on this! Read her full article here: https://lnkd.in/emnBDEED

Why is women's empowerment so crucial for early childhood development? This article delves into the profound connection between empowering women and the early development of children in their care. Read more to understand why we are so passionate about what we do. 📖 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gQK76Fun At Indaba Foundation, we are committed to empowering women to take charge of our future through every precious child. 🌟 By providing high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive training programs, we are making a lasting impact on communities. The research highlights that when women are empowered, their children thrive. This aligns with our focus on women's socio-economic development and sustainable community transformation. #womensempowerment #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhooddevelopment #research #earlylearning #futureleaders 

What’s this community all about? My Mission: To provide a safe, supportive community where women can learn strategies and receive accountability to keep taking one bite of the elephant at a time. Why? Because that’s what I needed a few years ago. Because I talk to women all. the. time. who want this too. Because community is powerful. Because accountability is so helpful. Because I’m a really good teacher and have seemingly unlimited ideas about improving your time management. And the #1 reason? Because I KNOW that the world needs YOU. Someone, maybe many someones, need what you have to give. And I want to be sure you accomplish this. 💕 Come join us! https://lnkd.in/gPkNEqj7 #timemanagementcoach #adhdcoach #timemanagementisnotabouttime #quitchasingsquirrels #adhdstrategies #adhdsupport #productivity #motivation #accountability #focusedaction #goals

Why woman's role is important in child life ? Every woman has the right to live with dignity and respect. As I grew up, I was able to see the struggle of mothers and sisters in my surroundings and started to look deep down through different perspectives and lenses. In the interview, the interviewer asked me the question, "We are working for children's education and there is no scope to work with women, so how do you see women's role?" I responded that a woman's role is everywhere; she not only gives birth to a child but also provides care, and love, and plays a pivotal role in a child's development to become a good human. From the earliest moments of life, women play multifaceted roles that shape the trajectory of a child's growth and education. Whether as mothers, educators, caregivers, or role models, women have a profound influence that extends far beyond the confines of traditional caregiving. First and foremost, mothers are often the primary nurturers in a child's life. The bond between a mother and her child begins in the womb, where mothers provide the first nourishment, comfort, and security. This initial connection sets the stage for a lifelong relationship characterized by love, support, and guidance. Mothers not only meet their children's physical needs but also serve as emotional anchors, offering solace during times of distress and celebrating achievements, no matter how small. Furthermore, women frequently occupy key roles in early childhood education. Preschool teachers, daycare providers, and early intervention specialists all contribute to laying the foundation for a child's cognitive, social, and emotional development. Through play-based learning, structured activities, and nurturing environments, these educators foster curiosity, creativity, and resilience in young minds. Their dedication and passion create safe spaces where children can explore, experiment, and discover the world around them. In addition to their roles within the family and educational settings, women serve as powerful role models for children. Whether in professional careers, community leadership, or personal pursuits, women demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and empathy. By witnessing women succeed in diverse fields and overcome challenges, children learn valuable lessons about ambition, equality, and the limitless potential of human endeavor. Recognizing and supporting women in these diverse roles is essential for fostering resilient, empathetic, and empowered generations to come. #woman #role #womenleadership #love #care #childgrowth

We're back with the next evidence-based practice from the #PhysicalLiteracy & #Inclusion framework from Memorial University. Learn about fostering equality and #KnowledgeSharing commitments amongst stakeholders: https://loom.ly/k2x9omk

How many diverse groups does inclusion cover INDEED… has your organisations DEI policy, strategy and program covered childless/childfree individuals as a segment group?