Homemakers have transferrable skills

Social Development Consultant Dr. Deborah Duperly Pinks advises that since the reality is that women still bear primary responsibility for the home, they should “privilege the role” and “extract qualities” that can be used in other spheres. 

She notes that “sometimes women don’t stop to think that juggling, household, family, wife and mother gives you some fantastic organizational capacities. You have to extract from ‘lower-status’ positions, whether it’s in the home or the workplace and ask yourself: what did I have to do to succeed in this role?” Once these women can answer that question and pinpoint their skills, Dr. Duperly Pink, a strong advocate for gender equality says they should begin to “own it!” 

Continuing she points out that “there is nothing to say that when you go and you decide to move from being a waitress (let us say) into the corporate world that you can’t put on your résumé that I have develop in my past work, which could include family, these amazing time management skills…and interpersonal skills.” By doing this, the social development consultant believes that women can begin to raise the profile of roles that are sometimes seen as ‘lower-status’ in society. 

Certainly this ability to transfer skills is applicable to all women including those entering decision-making/ leadership positions. Dr. Duperly Pinks insists that “each and every person has something to contribute at the table” noting that “what is important is recognizing what you have… knowing where the gaps exist and where you need to make it better and stronger, improved.” She is also keen to point out that women who do take the leadership leap must “first discuss this within your family unit so that there is buy-in from your family from the very beginning because you will need that support. You will need your family unit to understand what you are trying to do and why you are trying to do it.” Of course this means that male partners will have to share more of the domestic responsibilities.

Moreover this type of family involvement and support can help children to better understand their options. “So if children see mommy and daddy sharing or the caregiver sharing different roles it gives them a balanced view of what it takes to be a meaningful citizen in society; to contribute in a meaningful way,” explains Duperly Pinks. She adds that children may also see roles that they know they do not want to play “because there are some roles that depend on the interest you may have; you may want to stay home, male or female, you may want to seek a profession or you may want to find a balance. What is important, especially to the young people is that you have choices and that they are all open to each of us,” she advises.

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