50% of mothers consider quitting job

Almost half of mothers working in Ireland have considered quitting their job due to the costs of childcare.

That’s according to a recent survey conducted by Network Ireland to examine the pressures on women’s lives in modern day Ireland ahead of International Women’s Day. Almost 500 women across the country participated in the online survey which invited them to have their say on issues like employment, childcare, health and their online experience.

The survey recorded that 47 per cent of women have felt discriminated against in the workplace, while 49.3 per cent of those who are parents say they have considered quitting their jobs due to the cost of childcare. Over three quarters said that they deal with work-related emails and calls outside of working hours.

A large majority of women (87 per cent) reported feeling overwhelmed at times by the pressures of modern life, with one in four of those saying they felt overwhelmed on a daily basis. Just over 60 per cent of respondents said they have put off addressing their own health concerns because of cost.

One in ten women said they have been the victim of online abuse or harassment. Of those women, just over half said they reported the abuse, while 46 per cent chose to ignore it.

Commenting on the results of the survey, President of Network Ireland, Louisa Meehan said that the fact that so many women consider leaving work because of the cost of having their children cared for is distressing.

“This is not a choice women in Ireland should have to make. More must be done to support them to continue in their jobs.

“Having children is not a reason to hold women back from progressing their careers. It sends out the wrong message to women and to their families,” said Ms Meehan.

She said the survey results, which were released ahead of International Woman’s Day (8 March) relating to the pressures of modern life should “ring alarm bells”.

“Nearly 90 per cent say they feel overwhelmed at times, and over a quarter of those face it on a daily basis.

“Where are the supports for these women? Additional Government resources must now be put into helping women cope with the many demands on their talents and resilience,” concluded Ms Meehan.