Workingmums.co.uk - connecting mums and employers

Dads and carers too....

Author: Gillian Nissim

Date: 12:57pm, 16 Nov 2006

 

Today I read an article about www.WorkingMums.co.uk that made me so disappointed. It basically tried to suggest that using “WorkingMums” as a name was discriminatory – and specifically that it could be seen to discriminate against stay at home dads. I can’t help feel that this is political correctness gone mad.
 
Firstly, and because I feel the need to put the record straight, dads have and do apply for jobs through the WorkingMums website. The reason I know is because I’ve had the pleasure of corresponding with some of those dads (and I’m delighted that news of the website is spreading).  There is nothing on the website or within the registration process that prevents dads – or any other member of the public for that matter – registering and applying for jobs.
 
Secondly, WorkingMums is a website – and essentially an online magazine -  aimed at a certain sector in society. Show me a business or magazine that isn’t targeted at a particular market. As a business and as a website WorkingMums can’t be everything to everyone – and so we’re focusing on what we know best, which is working mums. As well as jobs, a big part of what WorkingMums is trying to do is build a community of working mums and create a place where mums can go to share experiences and opinions with people in similar situations and who are at similar points in their lives – which is why we’ve recently introduced working mums blogs and articles sections to the website. 
 
There is a plethora of women focused websites out there, with “women” in the title which also include job boards (although mainly offering full-time opportunities) - there is clearly a need and a market for this kind of service. Equally, if what WorkingMums.co.uk offers also appeals and is relevant to dads, carers and other job seekers, then that’s wonderful too and I’m delighted that what we offer is so widely embraced.
 
I started WorkingMums.co.uk because I wanted to do something positive and feel that this kind of negative attitude is itself discriminating against people who are simply trying to help others.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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Have your say

I think working mothers are a very valid segment within society and one that I am proud to be a member of. I also believe with the founder of Working Mums, that there is a need and demand for a specific service for this community. I think the article sounds like a sad attempt from the media to make a story out of nothing.

Anonymous  |  Report this comment

I also read this article saying that using the word Working mums was discrininatory. It is indeed madness. How many Government initiatives are aimed specifically at women let alone various other forms of media and services. I presume they are all discriminatory ! Here at last is the sort of service that can give all parents and yes ,mums a voice, somewhere to access services and share information. The very fact that this website is a success and so many people have used it is surely evidence enough that there is a real need for it .

Anonymous  |  Report this comment

I am a working father. I don't see a specialist website for ME here. I do think this website panders to the latent sexual discrimination still alive within the UK labour market. I really thought we had moved away from "Girl Friday" and dare I say it "Office Angel". If you wanted to do something positive, why produce a website with such a negative name. What about those with disabilities who can't work full time, who only want PT work? Those in semi retirement who don't want to do a full working week. Change your name? Of course you won't as it's getting you all the publicity you need right now.

Anonymous  |  Report this comment

I am also a working father. I became aware of this page because my wife is looking for a part time job. I felt that this was a good page that could support her in doing this. I, in no way, felt discrimanted against by the title. In fact, it never crossed my mind. I think the whole discussion is absurd. If I were a single father responsible for the full time care of my child, I would not be embarassed accessing this page nor any other resource available to make my arrangements work in the best interest of my child. Nor would I have time to whine about it. If every webpage and resource was designed to meet the needs of everyone, what would I search for? "...stuff?" then, for hours and days, I could scroll through everything I wanted to see and, mostly things, I didn't want to see. No matter how many people are included there will always be someone left out. I think the page is fine and I will not be losing sleep over its title.

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