Club Chat: The Motherhood Penalty

03/13/25 • 43 min

Emma and Amy discuss one of the problems that most women face after having children: The Motherhood Penalty.

We talk about what it is, how it can impact us and what we can do about it. It's a meaty one, so get ready for some shocking data...

Here's the sources:

Motherhood Penalty & Fatherhood Bonus (including the graph) – World Economic Forum
Research from Pregnant Then Screwed
The Motherhood Penalty in job quality – King’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership
Stats mentioned from the Fawcett Society

Our Book recommendations:

Invisible Women – Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez.
Pregnant Then Screwed – The truth about the Motherhood Penalty and how to fix it by Joeli Brearley

Emma and Amy discuss one of the problems that most women face after having children: The Motherhood Penalty.

We talk about what it is, how it can impact us and what we can do about it. It's a meaty one, so get ready for some shocking data...

Here's the sources:

Motherhood Penalty & Fatherhood Bonus (including the graph) – World Economic Forum
Research from Pregnant Then Screwed
The Motherhood Penalty in job quality – King’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership
Stats mentioned from the Fawcett Society

Our Book recommendations:

Invisible Women – Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez.
Pregnant Then Screwed – The truth about the Motherhood Penalty and how to fix it by Joeli Brearley

Previous Episode

I'm Sophie, I felt the Motherhood Penalty, and now I'm fixing the future of work for women

Sophie, mum of two, was a high achiever in recruitment before having children, when she felt then impact of the Motherhood Penalty when returning to work. She has since founded two businesses: MotherBoard - which help women showcase their skills in tech and Hey Flow highlights the importance women's reproductive health in the workplace. This is a story of grit, belonging and entrepreneurial spirit.

Find Sophie Creese on LinkedIn fixing the future of work for women or at:

MotherBoard: https://motherboardmovement.co.uk/

HeyFlow: https://heyflow.co.uk/

Next Episode

I'm Harleen, I gained a son with Autism and lost my career

This is the story of Harleen, who after becoming the default parent to a son with Autism, has struggled to maintain her career as a recruitment manager ever since.

After only part of her story was aired BBC Panorama documentary about working from home, we wanted to share her full story, including why remote work is so important for parents, what it means to sacrifice your career for your family, and the loss of identity that comes with it.

It was a hard one to listen to, but we hope reassures those who feel the same, that you’re not alone in this.

Hear more stories at @fivehourclub on Instagram.