The Persistent Gender Gap in High-Level Positions
While the presence of fathers with children remains consistent across various hierarchical levels, the representation of working mothers significantly drops in high-level positions, according to a survey by the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) and Kiik Consultants.
The Impact of Maternity on Careers
Motherhood, often seen as a blessing, is unfortunately penalized in the labor market. This disadvantage affects women’s professional development and their chances of employment, especially after taking maternity leave. The perception of motherhood in the workplace, coupled with a lack of work-life balance policies and the double burden on working mothers, restricts their access to the job market, retention, and career progression.
Wage Gap and Challenges
A study by the College of Mexico (Colmex) titled “The Effect of Motherhood on Employment and Salaries in Mexico” reveals that the wage gap is more significant for mothers. For instance, the remuneration disparity reaches 36% compared to non-parent workers and 40% when comparing mothers to fathers.
The Reality of Balancing Motherhood and Career
Fernanda Garcia, Director of Inclusive Society at IMCO, highlights that seven out of ten women participating in the labor market are mothers. This majority necessitates alternative solutions beyond on-site childcare, as not all companies require or can afford such facilities.
Career Interruptions Among Mothers
The Economist’s report, “How Motherhood Hurts Careers,” based on Claudia Goldin’s Nobel-winning research, demonstrates that career interruptions are common among mothers. Twenty-four percent leave their jobs after becoming mothers, and only 17% return to the workforce five years later.
Ramps of Maternity: Supporting Women’s Return to Work
Fernanda Garcia emphasizes the importance of “ramps of maternity” – a series of policies and actions to support working mothers’ reincorporation after taking time off for maternity. These ramps do not require significant resources or infrastructure.
Flexibility as a Key Factor
Flexible work arrangements play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of motherhood in the workplace. According to ManpowerGroup, six out of ten women planning to leave their jobs cite the desire for more flexible work hours.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue faced by working mothers in the labor market? The persistent gender gap in high-level positions, coupled with a lack of work-life balance policies and the double burden on working mothers, restricts their access to the job market, retention, and career progression.
- What does the study by Colmex reveal about the wage gap? The wage gap is more significant for mothers, reaching 36% compared to non-parent workers and 40% when comparing mothers to fathers.
- What are the “ramps of maternity” and why are they important? Ramps of maternity refer to policies and actions supporting working mothers’ reincorporation after taking time off for maternity. They are crucial for ensuring women’s persistence in the labor market and helping companies retain internal talent.
- Why is flexibility important for working mothers? Flexible work arrangements are essential in addressing the challenges of motherhood in the workplace. Six out of ten women planning to leave their jobs cite the desire for more flexible work hours.
