You Shouldn’t Have to Choose Between Work and Motherhood with Reshma Saujani

Childcare Right

Childcare is increasingly seen as a fundamental right, akin to healthcare, rather than a personal issue to solve. Reshma Saujani argues that childcare should be supported by employers and the government, similar to healthcare, to alleviate the economic burden on families 1. She emphasizes the need for collective action, stating, "We have to ask for it together. Men have to ask for that. Childless women have to ask for that" 1. Dr. Becky Kennedy adds that without adequate childcare, employees cannot be fully present or motivated, highlighting the long-term societal benefits of investing in childcare 2.

   

Women Recovery

The pandemic has significantly impacted women's participation in the workforce, with 11 million women leaving their jobs, marking the largest exodus in history 3. Reshma Saujani notes that this setback erased nearly 20 years of progress, as women were forced to juggle unpaid labor at home with professional responsibilities 3. She is spearheading the Marshall Plan for Moms to ensure women recover from this economic crisis, emphasizing the need for strategic public and private support 4. Dr. Becky Kennedy acknowledges the staggering statistics and the need for a systemic change to support working mothers 3.