The Maternal Wall & Unconscious Bias: Pregnant Women in 2023

Vivian Acquah, CDE® • Jun 12, 2023

Introduction

In this blog post, I'll share my own experience of being bullied during my pregnancy with my son Orlando after disclosing my pregnancy in an early stage. I'll also discuss Naomi Osaka's powerful statement on the subject and emphasize the importance of organizations implementing policies to prevent such discrimination in the workplace.

My Personal Experience

When I found out I was pregnant with Orlando, I was excited and couldn't wait to share the news with my managers. However, the response I received could have been more supportive. Instead of congratulations, I was bombarded with questions about how my pregnancy would affect my career and whether I'd be able to balance motherhood with my professional responsibilities. The bullying persisted throughout my pregnancy, making an already challenging time even more difficult. Unfortunately, my story is not unique.

Naomi Osaka's Powerful Words

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka recently addressed the issue of discrimination against pregnant women in the workplace, stating, "There are plenty of male athletes with kids that are significantly less accomplished – you might wanna worry about them instead."

Her words highlight the persistent double standards that exist in our society, where women are often unfairly scrutinized for their choices while men seldom face the same level of scrutiny.

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The Importance of Organizational Policies

To prevent incidents related the maternal wall bias from occurring in the workplace, it is crucial for organizations to adopt comprehensive policies that protect pregnant employees from harassment and discrimination. These policies should include raising awareness about the issue, providing training programs to sensitize employees, and establishing clear guidelines for maintaining a supportive work environment.

Additionally, grievance redressal mechanisms must be in place to promptly and effectively address any instances of harassment or discrimination.

The Consequences of Inaction

Failing to address this issue can have dire consequences on the health of the expectant parent and their unborn child. The stress and anxiety caused by a hostile work environment can lead to complications during pregnancy and negatively impact the well-being of both the mother and baby. By taking proactive measures, organizations can ensure the safety of their employees and foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture that benefits everyone.

Conclusion

In 2023, it is high time for society to move beyond ignorant and micro aggressive questions about pregnant women's careers. By sharing my story and discussing the powerful words of Naomi Osaka, I hope to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of workplace discrimination against pregnant women. It is essential for organizations to take responsibility and implement policies designed to protect the well-being of expectant parents and their unborn children, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for all.

About Vivian Acquah, CDE®

As an inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate and Certified Diversity Executive, Vivian Acquah CDE® advises managers on how to keep their team members engaged, energized, and safe in a sustainable manner.

Vivian makes topics related to workplace wellness and DEI accessible to everyone. She provides people with the right tools at the right time to embrace inclusive changes, motivates them to think consciously, and inspires action.

Vivian’s mission is to help make the world a better place by creating thriving workplaces for EVERYONE. This is a promise not only to Vivian’s son, Orlando, and his generation but also to future generations.

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Disclaimer: Content on this blog is authored by multiple sources. While we do make every attempt to proofread and fact-check, unless authored our staff, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Society for Diversity and the Institute for Diversity Certification.