Do you truly think men and women are equal?

Question

I was just reading over Gunce's post about he women of the Silicon Valley, of which I am one. But this question is about women everywhere and not so much whether they are being treated differently, but more are they being treated appropriately. There is a perception of a glass ceiling that women can't rise above, but as women do we deserve that ceiling?

I am asking honestly, because women have two choices, not have a family and become powerhouses, or have babies, spend time away from their career, and sometimes not return. Then, when we do return we expect the same treatment as someone (man or woman) who has been there the entire time.

I am really torn on this subject, because I think it's unfair to promote, train, and really invest in women when they may leave at any point to start a family, especially between 25 and 35. I know this probably sounds really sexist, but I can't help but think that we as women are creating a glass ceiling for ourselves, if one exists, by choosing to have families. I'm not saying that's not unfair, but I really really think that most companies are afraid to hire and really invest in a woman in childbearing years because she could leave at any time, leaving the company high and dry with a temp or needing to hire another person, where men hardly ever do that. They leave because of better opportunities, not because they are staying home to raise babies.

What do you think?

Answer

I find this post to be disgusting. Men and women have just as much right to have a professional career AND to have a family. In the grand scheme of things a woman having to take off a month or two longer than her husband when they have a child is NOT a reason to discriminate against her in the work place.

Your discrimination is unrealistic and a detrimental attitude for women everywhere. I hope you are never put in a position to influence the hiring or training of anyone ever.

Answer

My mother had a successful career and raised 2 children. I never felt she was an absent mother and she is very happy doing what she loves. She showed me that woman can do both, despite society saying otherwise. I do, however, think that unless more women choose to do both rather than picking one, we will never rise above the glass ceiling as a whole

Answer

Your dichotomy of either have a career or have children isn't an issue for men because it isn't expected of men by society to invest the time in their children and families that women are expected to invest. If the time cost of childrearing were equal, if men were expected to contribute to home life on the same scale as women, the dichotomy you think is universal would disappear.

Answer

We need to, as a society, raise children. It is completely unfair that the burden falls entirely on women in terms of lost opportunities and income. It's a social burden(also a joy) that should be shared by all, NOT just women who want children. We should look to the Scandinavian countries for an example.

Answer

Also there's research to suggest that companies get more out of working mothers in the long run than anyone else.

Answer

When men choose to have families, they are still expected to work full time. If a woman's partner does equal work, it's totally possible.

Do you truly think men and women are equal?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey