Written By Genalyn Omapass, HR Professional
In a company where I worked, I was tasked to share and discuss how do we forge equality among genders in a Women’s Month activity. There were so many things that popped up to my mind: awareness of laws and policies, or common biases women felt in the workplace.
Why do we even discuss this, to begin with? If there are harassment and biases we experienced in the workplace, do we allow it to happen?
From what I believe and experience, most women in the Tech Industry are empowered. We have female leaders at the helm of top brands. We believe in nurturing ideas and guidance. We were never silent, we speak up, we lead, and we follow. Thus, opportunities for us to grow are available. Only if want to be visible and shine in your own way.
But behind the strong façade of women in the business world, are the silent topics yet a major block you may never experience if you don’t become a mother or a breadwinner: the double burden and second shift.
Double burden
I first come across this term when working with my research topic back in MA days. I wanted to know the level of burden young women experienced working as sugar cane planters, and coming home and still responsible for household work, unpaid. In that study, young women experienced more burden as compared to their male counterparts.
The term “double burden” is often used to characterize the challenges a mother or a woman faces when balancing her career and domestic responsibilities (including household chores and caregiving) as cited by (Moen 1992).
According to Hochschild and Machung 2012, even if there is an increase in female labor force participation, women around the world still shoulder greater responsibilities in domestic roles and responsibilities
What is the Second Shift?
The second shift is a term coined and popularized by sociologist Arlie Hochschild in her book ‘Working Parents and the Revolution at Home’. According to her, a second shift describes what happens after a working day, i.e. those endless household chores, child-care, and eldercare activities. Women are expected to manage the dynamics of the household. Women still tend to be decision-makers, and the social organizers, birthdays, travels, and schedules.
Tending to the demands of a high paid career whilst managing the home is tough. We heard stories of women who at the peak of their careers, tend to leave and resigned from their job.
Why because of many reasons: child-rearing, sick parents, and lack of work flexibility and inconsiderate workmates. The many brilliant and driven women, who laid low their hopes of career advancement and financial independence because of the demands at home. These women were silent, but deep inside, they wanted to snatch that next level income because they know if they have something to offer.
They put their dreams on the sidelines.
It is difficult to be dealing with the double burden and second shift culture in the fast-paced and unsupportive environment. Women don’t want to be the victim of their circumstances, we want to celebrate our success. But how can women thrive and work alongside with men, when the environment she lives in doesn’t uphold inclusivity and equality.
As they say, “You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its Women”
Society has put a lot of pressure on working women. Since we are playing a dual role, they think we are invincible. It’s a feminist taboo to admit that we can’t cope with stress, that we can be the best professionals while having a baby and running a family.
As women we have choices.
First and foremost, learn to value time and learn to say NO when you feel overwhelmed.
- Get that needed sleep, eat well, if you want your sanity to stay intact.
- Be selective on what to believe in commercials and social media It will add your pressure to compete.
- Release the pressure, motherhood will always affect us. Just be honest with yourself and others what areas of your work you need more support with.
- Communicate and share your challenges with your family members.
- Hire some help or a nanny to take care of your child. Know the trade-offs and sacrifices to make while you decide to take on full-time employment.
- Share the domestic workload among members of the family. You are not a superwoman. Give the laundry task to your husband. He might be good at it.
- Don’t give in to pregnancy discrimination. We should not be put to blame for being pregnant and award a safe and understanding environment where we celebrate our femininity.
- Respect Maternity and Sick Leaves, women who delivered a child need more time to recuperate and care for newborns. Not to mention the sleep deprivation nights and the postpartum depression associated with having a baby. Maternity leave is not a vacation. It’s required for you to recharge and bond with your baby.
- You have the right to choose. Whether you want to be a Stay-at-Home parent or a Working Mom. It’s OK to be both.
Let’s start shifting our understanding of gender roles and gender biases and break that glass ceiling women experience. As women we need to live a life from the space of limitless potential rather than limitations. Teach our children to value diversity, honor the value of work, and that they can be whatever they want to be regardless of gender.
If I would have a daughter, I want her to support her dreams if she wants to be a soldier, or my son if she wants to be a teacher. The only way you can fully celebrate women is to support her potential and greatness. Start to respect her individuality and award her a safe, inclusive environment where she can lead a healthy, balanced life.
Leave a Reply