The motherhood gap in politics is for real. Just take it from these moms.
, Sarah Childs studied 12 different parliaments and found that most made some provisions for their members’ caring responsibilities though the provision was limited in most cases. But she also found that provisions for pregnant and nursing MPs were considerably more limited than institutional childcare, a likely reflection of “the historical legacy of overwhelmingly male institutions.”
If our politics has to become truly representative and be a place where women, especially younger women, can participate and prosper, then motherhood must not only be acknowledged, butSonia Palmieri, a gender policy fellow at the Australian National University, identifies three kinds of support that can help pave way for parliaments to become more family-friendly:
Create spaces that allow mothers to breastfeed and infrastructures such as family rooms and childcare facilities : “The prevalence of each of these family-friendly arrangements is significant given that each of these was less commonly evident a mere decade ago, although it is interesting that some parliaments still considered that these were ‘not applicable.'”The working hours of parliaments can be long and unpredictable, and votes can happen at irregular intervals, sometimes requiring MPs to stay in parliament late into the night.
This Mother’s Day, we must recognize the way in which politics has excluded mothers and work to create an inclusive politics where mothers’ voices can be heard.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Sleep in Heavenly Peace' changing the lives of Northeast Ohio children one bed at a timeThe “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” Cuyahoga West Chapter is on a mission to reach more kids and families in need by delivering beds and fulfill its mission that “no child sleeps on the floor in our town.”
Read more »
A surgeon’s lawsuit highlights gender disparities and workplace discrimination in medicine“It’s time for a change,” said Dr. Deborah Keller, whose attorneys accuse her former institution of tolerating a “toxic culture of gender discrimination.”
Read more »
Taliban order Afghan women to cover faces in publicThe Taliban issued new rules today that require women to cover their faces in public, saying the ideal covering is the head-to-toe burqa.
Read more »
FL!GHT Gallery showcases Michael W. Hall's abstract works in solo exhibition this month'Time Has Changed My Mind' is Hall's first solo show in San Antonio. SanAntonio SATX SanAntonio VisualArt ThingsToDoInSanAntonio SanAntonioArt
Read more »
Day Trips & Beyond: May Events RoundupBig changes come to Big Bend, a popular swimming hole opens for the season, and other fun things to do outside Austin city limits throughout the month.
Read more »
Christina Perri Marks Mother's Day With New Music She Calls a 'Love Letter to Moms' - E! OnlineJust in time for Mother's Day, Christina Perri exclusively announced new details about her upcoming album, which features a personal song about 'moms having a hard time.'
Read more »