UNED Dénia Examines the Impact of Motherhood on Women's Career Paths

UNED Dénia's Equality Chair organized the course 'Career Paths and Motherhood in Highly Qualified Professionals', as part of the Women's Day commemorative events. Over two days, experts and professionals examined how motherhood affects women's participation in the labour market and their professional development.

Lectures and Reflections - The course was inaugurated by Raquel Martí Signes, director of UNED Dénia, who emphasized how data shows that motherhood significantly impacts women's participation in the labour market. She began the session by introducing the day's speakers:

• María Gómez Escarda – Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology I: Theory, Methodology, and Social Change at UNED.

• Yolanda Agudo Arroyo – Professor in the Department of Sociology I at UNED.

• Irene Delgado Sotillos – Professor in the Department of Political Science and Administration at UNED (online intervention).

The focus of the presentations was on motherhood in high-level athletes and architects. The lectures highlighted that motherhood remains a determining factor in women's professional careers. As the number of children increases, the female employment rate decreases, posing an additional barrier to accessing leadership positions. It was noted that a woman in a managerial role has had to overcome more obstacles, both personal and professional, than a man in the same position.

The course continued on Wednesday, March 12, with a lecture by Ana Mª Lisbona Bañuelos, Vice-Rector of Students and Inclusion at UNED, titled 'Equality, Career Paths, and Motherhood'. Lisbona highlighted that, although there is more equality in academia than in other sectors, anecdotes of sexism still persist.

One of the key points, she indicated, "is the evolution of the male role in reconciliation since now, men have a paternity leave equal to maternity leave, which can affect a company's productivity as much as maternity leave does." However, it was emphasized that "companies that support women always achieve better results, both in performance and innovation."

In this space for reflection, María Asunción Merino, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at UNED, shared a personal view on motherhood in the professional field, stating that "being a mother made me smarter, with less ego. You manage two agendas, professional and children, and you are always on the edge of everything, which empowers you as a woman." She referred to the professional world as "designed for people without children, so they must be made invisible at work." In her opinion, "being a mother is a great transformation that influences everything, both professionally and personally."

Subsequently, the debate 'Career Paths and Motherhood in UNED Women Students' was held, featuring:

• Beatriz Gonzalo Gamo – Professor at UNED.

• Carolina Artigues Campos – PTGAS UNED Dénia.

• Ana María García Rosales – Student at UNED Dénia.

The panel was moderated by Raquel Martí, director of the Dénia centre.

One of the most relevant points discussed was how UNED facilitates reconciliation, allowing women to train and advance professionally without giving up motherhood or family life.

Carolina Artigues Campos, Technical Management, Administration, and Services Staff at UNED Dénia, highlighted that, in her particular case, "the continuous and rotating shifts of PTGAS staff allow them to be present in their children's education, something not considered by many labour laws."

In this regard, Beatriz Gonzalo reflected on the need to leave behind the myth of the 'superheroine' because "fortunately, women are increasingly leaving the domestic sphere, but we must not believe that we have to be superheroines. When we don't reach our goals, we get frustrated. Motherhood is not just a women's issue, but also men's," she noted.

For her part, Ana María García Rosales, in addition to presenting the conclusions of a small survey conducted among her peers on the implications between studies, family, and professional life, cited Concepción Arenal and her visionary work, which laid the foundations for the fight for women's equality. "We continue to advance in what the writer started," she affirmed.

Raquel Martí Signes, director of UNED Dénia, highlighted "the importance of the family network to fully exercise a position of responsibility, often outside of school hours," ensuring that "it is necessary to rely on family to reconcile and, at the same time, try to be present in the lives of children to grow with them." She concluded with "the importance of sorority in work and family life," emphasizing "the ability to empathize with other women."

Finally, the closing was conducted by María Gómez Escarda and Yolanda Agudo Arroyo, who emphasized "the importance of continuing to promote studies and debates on the impact of motherhood on women's work and academic life... and now, also fatherhood in men."