Mother's day is among us and so brings the perfect opportunity to shed light on the diverse contributions of women in society. Here are some ways to champion diversity as mom's big day approaches:
1. Celebrating Motherhood as Empowerment: Mother's Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the strength and resilience of mothers, who have played a vital role in shaping our society, communities, and families. Mothers are often underrepresented and undervalued in the workplace and beyond, but this day is a chance to elevate their voices and highlight their achievements.
2. Recognizing Diversity in Motherhood: It's important to recognize that motherhood takes many forms. While traditional gender norms dictate that motherhood is limited to cis-gendered women who give birth, this is not the reality for all families. Motherhood can be experienced by any parent who loves and cares for a child, regardless of their gender identity or biological sex.
3. Honouring Intersectionality: While Mother's Day is typically associated with celebrating motherhood, it's important to acknowledge that not all mothers experience the same privileges or barriers. Intersectionality reminds us that motherhood is intertwined with other identities, such as race, class, ability, and sexual orientation. This means that some mothers face unique challenges that others may not experience.
4. Challenging the Motherhood Penalty: The motherhood penalty is a systemic bias against mothers in the workplace, leading to fewer job opportunities, lower pay, and diminished professional advancement. Recognizing and fighting against this penalty is crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive workforce that values the contributions of all parents.
5. Reflecting on the Work that Still Needs to be Done: While we celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equality and diversity in recent years, this Mother's Day is a reminder that there is still a lot of work to do. By recognizing the strengths, diversity, and unique challenges faced by mothers, we can continue to create a more just and equitable society for all.