Advocating for Mother’s in Tech

Mothers are the unsung heroes of the world, balancing work and family life to make a unique contribution to society. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time working mothers in the U.S. spend an average of 72 hours per week layering work, childcare, and household chores with little support. While the push for gender equality has paved the way for remarkable progress, recent reports show that working mothers are still 23% more likely to experience burnout than fathers, and over 42% reported being diagnosed with anxiety or depression. With so many expectations at home and in the workplace, it's no wonder that 17% out of 25% of women working in tech are mothers, thanks to higher pay, flexible schedules, and leadership opportunities. More women are intentionally entering the tech industry to increase their ability to care for their families. 

Working mothers in tech bring diversity to the workplace, expanding creativity and encouraging participation where there has historically been a lack of role models and mentors. Moms in tech are an inspiring example of how it can be possible to show up meaningfully in both career and family. But it's not just about what women can do to effectively empower themselves to balance personal and professional life. We need systemic change, not just representation. 

Even though the pay is higher in tech than in other industries, women are still paid less than men for the same roles and penalized for taking a career break to raise their children. Companies must create inclusive work environments with better paid parental leave, improved return to work policies, removing discrimination against mothers in the recruitment and hiring process, and opportunities to grow into leadership roles. Mothers also need access to mental health resources and the support required to cope with the stress of juggling professional and personal responsibilities. Supporting working mothers has long-term benefits for everyone- their family, community, and the company.

Despite daily challenges in fulfilling multiple roles, mothers display incredible strength. As you celebrate Mother's Day, remember the mothers working in your organization and community, and advocate for pay equity, transparency, and fair hiring practices in the workplace. Celebrate mothers' significant contributions every day and demand better support, resources, and opportunities to empower them to continue leading and inspiring both at home and at work.