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Work Life Balance Around the World

May 1st, 2012
by Chrysula Winegar.

Sana Kevin: photo www.imow.org

We tend to think of this entire work life balance conversation as a distinctly American, or at least, a developed world issue. Regular readers already know that in my view, nothing could be further from the truth. When I stumbled across this video from the International Museum of Women, Mama’s Work project, you can imagine my joy! My great loves of global mother activism and the work life conversation coming together in one place.

Momufa: photo www.imow.org

What unfolds is the truly human, cross cultural impact of navigating motherhood and the broader issues of life. Eleven women from all over the world, including the USA, Kenya, Norway, Columbia and Nigeria have shared their stories. Insights into each of the Mamas and their experiences are rich and complex, filled with love and struggle and inspiration.

Lusina: photo www.imow.org

The MAMA’s Work project reaffirms my passionate conviction of our connectedness and our core synergy. Whilst this project is specifically focused on mothers, the applications are plainly there for fathers and non-parents. As we notice each other’s stories and act together, we will see the kind of wider policy and cultural supports that will help parents and non-parents alike to not just barely function, but thrive! All over the world.

You can also join the International Museum of Women in their partnership with Every Mother Counts to take action on maternal health here. Help mothers survive pregnancy and birth by adding your voice!

 

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  • Adrian Pyle

    I’m loving working through your blog and really do love your perspective ….The one “but” to that is thefollowing more general point…..I know it seems a bit pedantic for some, but one piece of language I’m trying to reform is the use of the term “work/life balance.” If language shapes our reality even just a little bit, then “work/life balance” – although its meant to be have positive connotations – must be reinforcing some negative views of life for all of us. Work and life are not somehow distinct “realities” that we can balance. “Work” is surely not meant to be devoid of “life.” Equally, considered, engaged and relational work can surely be part of a highly connected, health-ful life (even potentially a very big part of it). I know the term is coined to try to get us to live in a more “balanced” way but I suspect it simply allows those who see “work” and “life” as mechanically disconnected realities, to continue with that problematic viewpoint – and to continue tinkering with work to make it a “bit more friendly” rather than reforming the notion of work and its part in a whole life..

  • http://www.chrysulawinegar.com/ Chrysula

    Adrian, I completely hear you, and you should check out the work of Cali Yost at http://worklifefit.com. I use the term, not because I think it’s ideal — I totally agree with you that a binary distinction is not always useful. But it’s the language of the conversation. It’s the term everyone understands and I’d rather spend my time on culture and policy shifts than on changing the term. I know language is powerful. I’m grateful for the work of others to change it. It’s just not where I’m putting my energy. Thank you so much for reading this blog — always such an honor to have someone resonate with what I talk about here!