In a recent conference, it was highlighted that mothers with children under the age of two in OECD countries, including Turkey, face significant challenges in terms of employment. The employment rate of women with young children in the Czech Republic is lower than 20%, primarily due to the system of guaranteed maternity leave, which often does not provide enough support for mothers to sustain themselves financially. This issue was discussed by moderator Michala Hergetová and Aneta Martinek, who pointed out that marketing tends to overlook motherhood as a significant aspect of women’s lives.
Aneta Martinek also mentioned the barrier of parental leave, which often exceeds one year, making it difficult for mothers to reintegrate into the workforce. Many women on parental leave are aware that they may not be able to return to their original jobs due to lack of flexibility or support from employers. This lack of support and opportunities for working mothers was emphasized by a successful entrepreneur who highlighted the need for companies to adapt to the needs of mothers who want to work during maternity leave.
Jana Sečkářová stressed the importance of helping women return to fulfilling jobs that give them a sense of purpose. She emphasized the need to address and openly discuss the difficulties faced by women in employment, advocating for flexible work arrangements that can accommodate mothers who are willing and able to work. Markéta Baginská, founder of a company supporting female entrepreneurship, shared her experience of creating a work environment that allows women with children to continue working without restrictions.
The discussion also touched upon the topic of shortened work hours and whether a six-hour workday could be sustainable for the economy. Aneta Martinek highlighted the benefits of a shorter workday, such as increased productivity and employee satisfaction. She mentioned that her company is currently testing a four-day workweek, with positive results in terms of growth and employee well-being.
Overall, the conference shed light on the challenges faced by mothers in the workforce, the need for more support and flexibility from employers, and the potential benefits of alternative work arrangements. It is clear that addressing these issues and promoting a more inclusive and supportive work environment for mothers is essential for both women’s empowerment and economic growth.