Motherhood on the Resume: It’s Time to De-stigmatize Motherhood in the Workplace

I’m joining HeyMama in de-stigmatizing motherhood in the workplace by adding the most important title of all to my resume: MOTHER.

In all industries and at all levels, moms are passed over for new jobs and promotions based on the idea that being a mom means being unfocused and uncommitted at work. Here are some stats to back it up:

• 69% of US workers say mothers are more likely to be passed up for a new job than other employees

• 60% admit career opportunities are given to less qualified employees instead of mothers who are more skilled

• 41% view moms in the workplace as less devoted to their work, and 38% judge them for needing a more flexible work schedule

This cause means SO much to me, because I experienced this first hand after having my son. Two weeks after giving birth, I was let go from my job. The hardest pill to swallow though, is that I was let go by another mother. This may sound crazy, but this happens all the time. It happened to me, and so many of my other girlfriends who worked in the fashion industry. Often, clothing brands and showrooms are owned by women, and a lot of those women are mothers. And sometimes, when we become mothers, we’re not exactly welcomed back with open arms and support. I was working as a sales rep, as an independent contractor, which is how I think my boss got away with it. Or maybe because I chose to accept it and didn’t speak up. Well I’m speaking up now, and this is not okay, and it needs to stop.

It’s time to recognize motherhood for what it really is: an endless source of professional skills. 91% of workers agree moms bring unique skills to leadership roles. Anyone who has ever spent more than 5 minutes with a toddler can understand why. Because I’m a mother, I am so much more powerful professionally than I ever was before children. 

If you’d like to join me, add “Mother” to your LinkedIn title and share this badge with #MotherhoodOnTheResume to show your solidarity.

And special thanks to Stuart Weitzman for supporting this cause! And if you’re a working mama, in search of an incredible network, check out HEYMAMA.