Some women are working moms because they choose to have a career, and others work outside the home to be able to meet the financial needs of their families. But whatever the reason or motivation behind these life choices, this day is here to act as a reminder that moms who also hold down a job have a lot of juggling of responsibilities – and they deserve a little bit of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Which is why it’s time for National Working Moms Day!
National Working Moms Day Timeline
World War II Brings Millions of Mothers into Paid Work
With men serving overseas, U.S. wartime industries recruit women in large numbers, and many mothers take factory and office jobs that shift public views of mothers’ roles in the labor force.
Federal Law Targets Sex Discrimination at Work
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit sex-based wage and employment discrimination, helping open more occupations and fairer pay structures to working mothers.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act Expands Job Protection
1Congress amended Title VII through the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, clarifying that discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions is unlawful for covered employers, strengthening job security for employed mothers.
Family and Medical Leave Act Aids Employed Parents
The Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees eligible U.S. workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, supporting many working mothers’ ability to stay employed.
U.S. Mothers’ Labor Force Participation Nears Historic High
Using federal data, the Pew Research Center reports that 72 percent of U.S. mothers are in the labor force, close to the peak share recorded in 2000, underscoring the central economic role of working mothers.
How to Celebrate National Working Moms Day
Show some love and appreciation for every working mother out there by getting involved with National Working Moms Day, starting with a few of these ideas:
Thank a Working Mom
One of the best ways to get involved with National Working Moms Day might be to show some appreciation and acknowledge a working mom. Other family members and friends can take some time to write out a card or letter expressing words of appreciation. They can shower a working mom with hugs or small, heartfelt gifts. Or they can take this as an opportunity for her to get a massage or schedule a weekend away, just so she can have some “me time”.
Show Support for Working Moms
Almost any community member can show support for National Working Moms Day through small acts of support. For instance, find out which local small businesses are owned by working moms and choose to use their services or shop from them. One survey has shown that approximately one-third of small businesses are owned by a working mom!
Learn Facts About Working Moms
Raise awareness and show support for National Working Moms Day by learning and sharing some interesting facts about the topic, whether in person or online through social media. Take a look at some of these facts:
Approximately 23 million women are working moms
76% of working moms are between the ages of 30 and 49
The most common types of jobs for working moms are healthcare, education and social services
History of National Working Moms Day
From teachers to lawyers, from business executives to shop owners, women work in all of the sectors of the business world and many of those working women are moms! Whether they have kids in school or at daycare, if they have flexible working hours in an office or they work from home, working moms can act as amazing caregivers and career role models as well. They do it all!
National Working Moms Day was established in 1983 by the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA). For more than 40 years, this day has been effectively shining a spotlight on and offering well-deserved recognition to those working women who also do the very important job of being a mom.
A few other days to get involved with related to this topic might include National Working Parents Day celebrated in September, Single Working Women’s Day in August or National Flexible Working Day in June.
