First published: 02/08/2024
By Grace Carter
When Nada Hafez announced, after competing at the Olympics, that she was seven months pregnant, the world was stunned. Not because she had competed in the Olympics, which is an extraordinary feat in itself, but because she had done so while pregnant. As a mother of two and an entrepreneur, her announcement struck a chord with me, bringing to the forefront the pervasive bias that pregnant women face in both professional and personal arenas.
Pregnancy, for many, is a time of joy and anticipation. Yet, when it comes to the workplace, it can be a period fraught with undue stress and scrutiny. Society often places a magnifying glass on pregnant women, questioning their abilities and competence in ways that are rarely applied to their male counterparts. Common phrases like "Can you still lift heavy boxes?" or "Are you sure you can handle the stress of this position?" reveal an inherent bias that sees pregnancy as a weakness rather than a natural part of life.
"Society often places a magnifying glass on pregnant women, questioning their abilities and competence in ways that are rarely applied to their male counterparts."
Nada Hafez’s revelation made headlines not only because of her incredible physical feat but also because of the bravery it took to keep her pregnancy private. The reality is that many women feel compelled to hide their pregnancies for as long as possible, fearing that their capabilities will be unfairly judged. How many of us have heard, “You won’t be able to keep up with the workload when you’re pregnant,” or, “You seem a bit foggy”? These statements not only undermine a woman's professional skills but also perpetuate a culture where pregnancy is seen as a liability rather than a testament to strength and resilience.
In my own experience, I have faced similar comments - often couched in concern, but actually reflecting a deep-seated bias. They imply that a woman’s worth and capability are diminished by her pregnancy. The impact of this bias is profound, affecting not only how women are treated but also how they view themselves during pregnancy.
"The impact of this bias is profound, affecting not only how women are treated but also how they view themselves during pregnancy."
But why is this the case? Why do women feel the need to hide their pregnancies? The answer lies in the fear of being perceived as less competent or committed to their work. There is an unspoken expectation that pregnant women should apologise for their condition, that they should go to great lengths to prove that pregnancy will not impede their performance. This societal pressure forces women into a position where they must choose between their career and their personal life, a choice that no one should have to make.
Imagine a world where Nada Hafez felt she could announce her pregnancy without fear of judgment. A world where her pregnancy was celebrated as part of her incredible journey, not a hidden secret. Such a world would recognise that pregnancy does not diminish a woman’s abilities but rather showcases her strength.
As a working mother, I can relate deeply to Nada Hafez’s situation. I remember the trepidation of sharing my pregnancies with colleagues and clients, the worry that I would be seen as less capable. Yet, pregnancy did not make me weaker; it made me more determined, more resilient, and more empathetic.
"Pregnancy did not make me weaker; it made me more determined, more resilient, and more empathetic."
We need to foster a culture that supports pregnant women, one that recognizes their unique challenges and celebrates their strengths. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace where women no longer feel the need to hide their pregnancies.
It is time to ask ourselves why we continue to hold onto these outdated biases. Why do we question a pregnant woman’s ability to handle complex tasks or manage stress? The answer lies in a deeply ingrained societal bias that equates pregnancy with incapacity. Challenging this bias requires not only awareness but also action. It requires us to support pregnant women, to trust in their abilities, and to celebrate their successes.
"Why do we question a pregnant woman’s ability to handle complex tasks or manage stress? The answer lies in a deeply ingrained societal bias that equates pregnancy with incapacity."
In conclusion, Nada Hafez’s Olympic journey serves as a powerful reminder of the biases pregnant women face and the strength they embody. As we reflect on her story, let us commit to creating a world where women can be open about their pregnancies without fear of judgment. A world where pregnancy is seen not as a limitation but as a testament to a woman’s incredible strength and resilience.
Grace Carter is an advocate for ADHD awareness and a passionate writer on issues affecting women's health. You can read more of her words at www.agirlcalledgrace.co.uk
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