
A manifesto for mums politicians should adopt
Here is a suggested manifesto for mums. Let’s get political!
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?
Do you think politicians listen to the concerns of mums enough?



3 Comments
Flossing the Cat
A few more for the mummyfesto:
Maintain universal child benefit
Create strategies to increase the take up of shared parental leave amongst men
Increase statutory paternity leave to four weeks
Glenys
And making it OK to be a full time mother!
Glenys
Every mum is a full time mother, I meant being OK not to be employed if she chooses not to.