Feb 17 • 20:41 UTC 🇸🇰 Slovakia Denník N

Mother MPs: You Can Have Cognac and a Cigar in Parliament, but There's a Problem with Kids

Women politicians with young children face challenges in parliament due to unpredictable schedules and lengthy sessions.

In Slovakia, women politicians with young children are struggling to balance their parliamentary duties with motherhood due to extended working hours and last-minute scheduling of night sessions. Several opposition MPs have given birth during this electoral term and have voiced their concerns in the National Council about the need for a more predictable parliamentary agenda to better manage their family responsibilities. They have requested that the parliament refrain from last-minute scheduling of night sessions or ensure that specific agenda items are timed so that they can attend without impacting their parenting roles.

Despite their appeals, the parliament has largely ignored their requests, with members of the ruling coalition suggesting that it is not their responsibility to accommodate mothers in the legislature. This has led to frustration among the women MPs, who feel their professional duties are not being recognized in light of their family commitments. The severity of the situation has escalated to the point where a coalition MP suggested that if these mothers can't manage the dual roles, they should either take maternity leave or adjust their political engagement accordingly, which many viewed as dismissive of their plight.

The ongoing dialogue highlights a broader issue concerning the representation of women in politics, particularly mothers, and raises questions about how legislative bodies can better support the needs of parents to ensure their full participation in governance. The undercurrent of this debate is whether the political landscape is adequately inclusive for caregivers, as it appears that accommodating these specific needs has not been prioritized, putting additional pressure on women trying to navigate both their political and personal lives.

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