To mothers everywhere,

I recognise the challenges facing women and the numerous yet specific difficulties relating to motherhood. We are living in a critical time where significant strides have been made in women’s rights, opportunities and provision of support. However, there remain challenges in the form of time pressures, ever present social media, and disparity of opportunity and approaches in the workplace, as well as threats to progress with an imbalance in childcare and domestic work in the home. 

In regard to the mental health and well-being of women the numbers speak for themselves. More than 1 in 10 women experience a perinatal mental health problem during pregnancy or within the early postnatal years and 70% of women will hide or underplay their illness. Furthermore, the return to work process is often reported as a negative experience with women feeling a lack of support and the need to compromise between home and work life. 

Most recently the current challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic has also particularly impacted women negatively. Women make up the majority of the workforce in industries with highest job losses and women have shouldered the shock of demand in childcare whilst working, likely leading to a detrimental effect on their careers and mental health. To me, I see that women now more than ever need to reconnect with their skills, strengths and own ambitions.