Mothers at work place

Is there anything I have not done yet? Recently, I had added one more experience in my life resume-a mother's helper. It is only an hour in the morning, but it is the precious hour for the married career woman with children. Laundry is done over the night, so is dishes thanks to machines available today. But who is going to fold all the clothing and towels and place them where it is supposed to be? I have been a homemaker since I married a generous and hard working man. If I was not so fortunate, my life would have been much harder.

Growing up, I always wanted to be an independent person emotionally and financially. My mother's generation had very little choice in that matter. Women's place was at home and no other. My mother loved learning and she wanted to continue in higher education to explore her curiosity in the area of academics. Her teachers were willing to help her financially, but her father said "NO". Women do not need education. That was it for her. Eventually, she left home to live in the medical doctor's house in exchange for her service as a nurse after graduating the nursing school. Becoming a nurse was one of a few choice for women who had a career minded back then.

I have to admit that I am very lucky to be born in the time period when there were more choices for women. I pursued my interests and I chose my career based on my interest and what I enjoy. I came to America when I was 19. At that time I thought Japan was at least 10 to 20 years behind when it comes to the women's right. In the eye of the laws, at least the gap has closed in, but I wonder if the women in Japan will ever be treated as equal as those of their counterpart. I could only hope.

Even if women are treated equally at work, or should I say because we are treated equally at work, there is a very basic and essential yet neglected aspect of women's right when she becomes a mother. She needs more time and supports for her child (children) on top of everthing else she does at home. The fact of the matter is that the first few years of child’s birth, mothers are needed by babies who had spent months in their mothers’ wombs. The bond between them is imperative for the baby to adapt and get accustomed to the totally new and unseemly different environment for the baby. There is a huge burden on her shoulder even with a very supportive spouse, especially, if a mother wants to keep her career going. She is expected to perform equally well, and the spend the same hours to the people at work, who have none or less responsibilities at home.

Being treated equally in the workplace is actually one step backward for women with children. This I know for first hand, and I really hope that the society realizes that not only for the sake of women with children but also men and children.

A happy mother means happy children and a husband, and a happy family life. If we do have that, there won't be so many problems in the world.