Mrs M
yoda76COULD I POSSIBLY BE PRIME MINISTER?
January 19th 2007 01:36
Well could I? Apart from the usual qualifications and experience one needs to lead a nation, could I, a mother, become Prime Minister of Australia?
Julia Gillard, Labor’s Deputy Leader, doesn’t think it’s likely.
Ms Gillard has thrown the topic up for discussion; would John Howard or Peter Costello have held their jobs for as long as they have or even at all if they were mothers instead of fathers.
Before I had children I would have been jumping up and down accusing her of re-enforcing the much hated glass ceiling syndrome but now that I’ve had children…well…what can I say….my whole perspective on it has changed.
I am all for supporting women who want to work and raise a family, after all who am I to judge? Let’s face it; these women are keeping the issue of working conditions for mothers at the fore.
But for me my world changed when I became a mother and going out to work just didn’t hold the same appeal for me as it did in the past. I knew within myself that home is where I wanted to be and I just wouldn’t be the employee that I would be required to be. Not while my children are young.
But is that what Julia Gillard is driving at? Mothers can’t help but have their attention diverted from the task at hand, more so than fathers? Or is the question more of a societal truth? Mothers just don’t get the top jobs.
If this is the case, then why?
Julia Gillard, Labor’s Deputy Leader, doesn’t think it’s likely.
Ms Gillard has thrown the topic up for discussion; would John Howard or Peter Costello have held their jobs for as long as they have or even at all if they were mothers instead of fathers.
Before I had children I would have been jumping up and down accusing her of re-enforcing the much hated glass ceiling syndrome but now that I’ve had children…well…what can I say….my whole perspective on it has changed.
I am all for supporting women who want to work and raise a family, after all who am I to judge? Let’s face it; these women are keeping the issue of working conditions for mothers at the fore.
But for me my world changed when I became a mother and going out to work just didn’t hold the same appeal for me as it did in the past. I knew within myself that home is where I wanted to be and I just wouldn’t be the employee that I would be required to be. Not while my children are young.
But is that what Julia Gillard is driving at? Mothers can’t help but have their attention diverted from the task at hand, more so than fathers? Or is the question more of a societal truth? Mothers just don’t get the top jobs.
If this is the case, then why?
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Comment by Damo
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Sure but are there more men in high corporate positions than women (with or without children) or even government jobs?
Statistically in the past women have taken more time off work than father have to care for children. That could possibly lead to a mother's slowed progress in her career.
In fact in the article that I read on smh.com.au quite a few female politicians said that they waited until their children were older, or they chose state politics over federal politics so they wouldn't travel as much. Are these decisions men consider regarding their career?
These are facts that no-one denies, I'm just asking the question why is it so?
Thanks for the visit.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Anonymous
Biologically when babies come we have to leave work for a certain amount of time - which can vary depenidng on your situation and wether you have a nice boss or not. The choice to return to work is a lot more precarious for women also because it brings up questions of breast feeding, sleepless nights followed by frantic days and the dreaded ever looming post natal depression.
And I agree that often women make decisions that sacrifice their dreams and careers for the sake of the family/children. The fathers i know will gladly take on jobs that require they travel overseas, and not for a second do they consider this to be adverse to the children. Whereas I think women do feel guilt and instead prefer a lesser wage that allows more flexibilty to be close to their children .
It's hard being a woman! can we have it all? And do men regret the things they miss out on due to their high flying careers?
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Great comment. Agree with you have said. You're right about women sacrificing careers and working around their family. Statistically in the past women often work around childcare - so if they can get childcare they'll work, if not, then no work. I don't see men doing that.
My husband is very conscious of the time he spends at work but ask him if he'll change positions with me and the answer is a firm no. He doesn't think he has the stuff to be a stay home dad. He's not trying to pass the buck, he's just being honest.
Hi Cibby,
I don't see Australians voting for a mother. Shame, a mother will sure clean up the place.
Yet, being the operative word. I hope to see it in my lifetime.
Thanks for the visit and the comments.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by MelissaA
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Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Love & stuff
Mrs M