Motherhood IS Political: Why We Need to Vote and Make Our Voices Heard

Motherhood has always been a political issue, even though it might be the last thing on your mind when you’ve just given birth. As we approach the next election, it is essential for mums – like you and I – to exercise our right to vote, as the policies and decisions made by the government can have a significant impact on our lives and our families – and that can’t be underestimated.

Politics affect our daily lives

In the UK, women face a range of political issues that affect our daily lives as parents, especially when we are raising small kids. From access to affordable childcare to the gender pay gap, the government’s policies can either support or hinder us in our role as caregivers – or even as breadwinners. But what are the top issues for mums like us to engage in, especially if you aren’t politically motivated usually?

Childcare

According to the Family and Childcare Trust, the UK has some of the highest childcare costs in Europe. In 2020, the average cost of 25 hours of nursery care for a child under two was £130.76, and the average cost of 25 hours of after-school care for a child over five was £58.49. These costs can be prohibitive for many families, particularly those on low incomes. The government’s policies on funding for childcare can have a significant impact on mothers’ ability to work outside the home and provide for their families.

Gender Pay Gap

Despite progress in recent years, the gender pay gap in the UK still exists, and mothers are disproportionately affected. According to the Trades Union Congress, mums in the UK earn on average 30% less than men. This gap is partly due to the fact that mothers are more likely to work part-time or take career breaks to care for children. The government’s policies on equal pay and parental leave can help to address this issue.

Maternity Leave

In the UK, mothers are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, but only 39 of those weeks are paid. This can create financial difficulties for families, particularly those on low incomes. The government’s policies on maternity leave and pay can have a significant impact on mothers’ ability to care for their children and return to work.

But why should I vote?

Given the political issues that affect all parents, but especially mums in the UK, it couldn’t be more important that we exercise our right to our vote in any election; general or by-elections. By voting, we help to ensure that the government’s policies support our needs and those of our kids.

Here’s some reasons to bear in mind:

Make your voice heard: Mums make up a significant proportion of the UK’s population, and we damn right need and deserve to be heard. By voting, we ensure that our opinions and that the issues that affect us and our families are taken seriously by the government. Well, you’d hope.

To Influence Policy: The government’s – currently the Tories – policies have a significant impact on our daily lives. It doesn’t matter who you vote for as long as you review manifestos and vote for the party that aligns most with your values and priorities. We can help to shape the policies that affect them and their families, even when it feels that we don’t have a lot of power – this is the moment that you do!

To Create Change: By voting for parties that support policies that benefit mothers and families, we can help to create change. And despite how deflating things can feel a lot of the time, this change can be significant – from increased funding for affordable childcare to changes in the law on parental leave.

According to Dr. Laura King, a Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Sheffield, “mothers in the UK have a lot at stake in elections. Policies on childcare, family leave, and the gender pay gap all have a significant impact on their lives and those of their children. By voting, mothers can help to ensure that their voices are heard and that the policies that affect them are taken seriously by the government.”

Motherhood has always been political

Motherhood has always been political – but more than ever we face a range of political issues that affect their daily lives; from access to affordable childcare to the gender pay gap. You deserve to be heard, especially when you are raising the next generation – they will be the ones feeling the strongest impact from policies made today that are detrimental towards families – low income ones especially.

As stated by Dr. King, “elections are an opportunity for mothers to shape the policies that affect them and their families.” By voting, mothers can influence policy, create change, and help to build a society that supports them and their children.