How do we get what we need

As we move past International Women’s Day and inch closer towards Mother’s Day, it’s fitting to contemplate the perennial question of whether women can truly have everything they desire.

Is it possible for a woman to manage a career alongside three children? How can a woman oversee a company with a young child at home? What is her strategy for achieving balance between her professional and romantic life (assuming she has one)? When is the optimal time to have a baby while climbing the ranks in a career? As she takes on the role of a caretaker for both immediate and extended family, how does she excel as a leader in her field and remain active in her community?

It is evident that the focus of all these inquiries is directed towards women, with no apparent connection to men. Why do women appear to be the sole individuals who ponder such matters? Undeniably, men also have to confront choices that can affect their professional and personal life. Nevertheless, throughout history, this concept of balancing work and family has primarily been associated with females.

The question on whether women can balance having a family and a career now commonly takes the form of can women have it all? This phrase is often credited to Helen Gurley Brown, a renowned editor of a US magazine. In her book, Having It All, published in 1982, Brown provided guidance on achieving success and getting everything one desires. However, it is ironic to note that Brown did not have any children herself.
In the year 2023, the pursuit of both career and parenthood continues to pose a conundrum that remains unresolved despite substantial efforts.
For nearly 24 months, Women in Business, Mornington Peninsula (WiBMP), a group of female entrepreneurs, top executives, and community leaders dedicated to building relationships and strengthening communities has been posing the question: What is your most significant hurdle? Among the common gender-based obstacles such as lack of access to funding, government policies, and their repercussions, the majority of respondents chose ‘Juggling personal/family responsibilities with work.’

Our members and event participants are responsible for managing both large and small businesses, maintaining sizable workforces, overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, and developing new products, services, strategies, and community outreach programs. Despite their impressive accomplishments, they struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Sam Mostyn AO, Chair of the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, delivered her Address to the National Press Club of Australia entitled Who Cares? The courage to create an economy for all after the celebration of International Women’s Day in March.

At the local International Women’s Day event, she echoed the statistic mentioned by Melissa Goffin, the WiBMP Chair, during her introduction. The stark reality is that according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, which assesses Health, Education, Political Empowerment, and Economic Participation, Australia comes in at 43rd place out of 146 countries.

The task of reducing this disparity will require several decades of effort.

Upon concluding her speech at the National Press Club, Ms Mostyn inquired as to what steps the audience members were willing to take to contribute towards the cause of achieving gender equality. Her view was that gender equality was not a scenario of winners and losers, rather it was a situation where possibilities and chances were available for all.

The approach we take towards men’s and women’s careers needs to be the same. It is also crucial to include working fathers in discussions and solutions, just like working mothers.

Maybe we could add our voice to the numerous calls aimed at changing the direction of this discussion and altering the inquiry into one that asks: What are my desires and necessities and what can I do to attain them? The central conversation should not revolve around whether women can achieve everything, rather, it ought to focus on what everything signifies to each individual. Equilibrium does not entail bearing the entire load.

Realizing your value in everything you oversee is crucial.

On Mother’s Day, when you’re outside, consider more than just giving flowers or presents to your mother or the women in your life. Instead, ask both yourself and your mother how she can lead a more genuine life and encourage her to prioritize herself.

It is crucial to comprehend how her inner equilibrium impacts not only herself, but also the individuals and objects in her surroundings.
We can unanimous in the belief that the essence of ALL solely pertains to our own individual selves and our interpretation of it. Our foremost concern in this existence is to shape our personal sense of tranquility, joy, and direction according to our own preferences and convictions.
Greetings to every mother on this joyous occasion of Mother’s Day.