The financial crisis is extra hard on women, according to initiator Annemie Schuitemaker. ‘Women are in a predicament and this is caused by a number of related reasons. The fact that childcare is becoming more and more expensive which puts pressure on women for instance. Research performed by the Commissie Gelijke Behandeling (the equal treatment commission) showed recently that nearly half of all women feel discriminated against during pregnancy. This is truly shocking. It makes me say, ‘blast, is there no end to this?’
Glass Floor
The fact that women on many temporary contracts are more vulnerable during pregnancy also plays a part in this matter. ‘Everybody is always talking about the glass ceiling but now it’s time to discuss the glass floor’. Women are happily working away but (partly) lose their footing in employment after a pregnancy. If we can make sure that women do not fall through this glass floor they will automatically end up at the glass ceiling. I must admit I do realize that women themselves are the ones who need to do the work eventually’.
Achieving More Success
According to Schuitemaker, research shows that organizations achieve more success when they employ women. ‘Successful organizations get what working women want. They make sure they provide women with a proper position within their organization. They consider matters such as flexible hours, women moving on, leave regulations and childcare. Because they are aware of the fact that a female touch within an organization is essential’. Successful businesses understand the growing influence of women on the world economy. ‘Women determine for a large part how we spend our money and our time. Women are becoming more and more influential and independent. If you employ women you are more likely to know what women want’.
Twitter Campaign
Today, the day after Mother’s Day, Annemie Schuitemaker is trying to become Trending Topic on Twitter with #WWVW (Wat Werkende Vrouwen Willen), (What Working Women Want). ‘In order to open the discussion on women in business and making people think about the matter. It is meant to be a fun campaign, I am a positive person and an idealist.’
Source: Basti Baroncini, editor for P&O actueel