A manifesto for mums

Here is a suggested manifesto for mums.

I think mums matter and do not get valued or supported enough.

Recently, I interviewed a diverse range of mums who all had a striking story to tell. With the General Election coming up, I asked how the next Government could help mums. Listening to what they had to say makes me think this would make a good manifesto for mums.

Value mums

It is important to recognise the contribution that mums make to society whether through employment, business, parenting or voluntary and community work.

Employment

Government should work to make family-friendly working practices a reality and to support employers with this too. Creative use of home-working and ICT should be encouraged. It should also be remembered that isolation can be an issue for women working at home so offline support should be available too. Realities like children being ill from time to time should be acknowledged in the employment mix.

Business

Mums should be given support to establish their own businesses.

Childcare

There should be more affordable and accessible childcare.

Health

Investment should be made in perinatal mental health care and in crisis care for women experiencing post-natal depression.

Housing

Lower housing costs would enable families to function better.

Education

Education should be celebrated and encouraged in formal education settings and at home.

Equality

Rights should be given to non-traditional and traditional families.

Striking Mums values

Striking – stand out as the individual you are

Striking – take some well-deserved you time

Striking – you are beautiful inside and out whether you feel that way or not.

What would you see as the essential elements of a manifesto for mums?

Do you disagree with any of the points above?