Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Former Belfast Lord Mayor tells of struggle to be a good MLA... and a good mother I now realise what a barrier it is for women in politics KATE NICHOLL, Alliance MLA
Idiscovered I was pregnant with my second child early on in my term as Lord Mayor of Belfast. The due date was a few weeks after the Assembly election, in which I had been selected to run as a candidate in South Belfast.
I knew if elected I would not get maternity leave and would need to be back to work as soon as I was able .
But having been a candidate in the council elections during my first pregnancy I didn’t think much of it.
I had returned to meetings in City Hall when my son was four weeks old, at eight weeks I had breastfed him in the chamber and, to be quite honest, I had worn my quick return to work with pride.
The week my daughter was born I experienced the emotions any expectant parent does – excitement, nerves, concern I had enough snacks in my hospital bag…
It was when I started to think about the fact that I was a newly elected MLA with an office to set up, private members legislation to consider, constituents to support, that I began to feel overwhelmed.
What if there were complications with the birth? What if the baby was ill? In those circumstances how could I possibly be a good mother and a good elected representative?
For the first time I appreciated just how significant a barrier the lack of maternity provision is for women in politics.
Research shows that maternity leave reduces infant mortality, it improves a child’s overall health and reduces the likelihood of post-natal depression. If support for women within the very structures of power does not exist, what hope is there for anywhere else?
Government should be leading by example when it comes to equal opportunities and inclusion.
It’s also clear we need to have more conversations about the impact maternity leave and childcare has on employment and career opportunities.
In the last mandate the Assembly Commission had looked at providing additional staff support to allow an MLA to take up to six months maternity or adoption leave.
This, along with an amendment to standing orders to facilitate proxy voting, would give expectant MLAS the option to take time off – yet another reason we need the Assembly back up and running.
I was lucky that
Etain came into the world with ease, and I was lucky that my recovery has been swift, though this time I feel no pride at my quick return to work.
The arrival of this tiny, perfect person has expanded not just my heart, but also my resolve to try to make the world better for her.
Too many women feel compelled to choose between motherhood and career. Reform is long overdue.
“You looking for a medal?” a person on Twitter asked me.
No, what I want is for more women to be elected, which is why I will continue to push unashamedly for women to have an equal role in society.
Because that’s what a good MLA – and a good mother – should do.
This time I feel no pride at my quick return to work