http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=72882&d=9&m=11&y=2005
Wednesday, 9, November, 2005 (07, Shawwal, 1426)
Working Moms Want Daycare Help
Razan Baker, Arab News
JEDDAH, 9 November 2005 - Women who work at larger businesses were
pleased with the Ministry of Labor ruling that calls for nurseries at
workplaces that employ 50 women or more, but for women in smaller workplaces
the lack of childcare is a big problem.
Schools, universities and some hospitals provide nannies and nurseries
for women employees. Although mothers are charged to use the services, many say
it's worth it.
But working women are calling on the Ministry of Labor to tackle the
problem and examine new criteria, such as the number of hours worked and
workplace nursery fees, to address their needs.
The practice of hiring maids can alleviate the problem for some women,
but without a maid or nanny a woman returning from a maternity leave faces
enormous challenges.
"I just delivered my daughter two weeks ago, and I have no maid at home,"
said Samira, who works as a hairdresser. "It's a blessing that my manager
allowed me to work only night shifts. Now I can take care of my daughter while
my husband works in the morning until I tuck her into bed; then he just watches
her while she falls asleep."
As one might imagine, it was a very busy time of the year for
hairdressers. Some even worked in the afternoon and then returned to the salon
in the evening.
"I leave my kids at home and worry all day that something may happen to
them," said hairdresser Sarah Jameel. "Although I call from time to time, I
still wish they could be near me, especially since none of them go to school
yet, and I don't know how they would handle an unpleasant situation."
It's also a tough situation for women who work split shifts at banks.
"I barely manage to clean the house, and sometimes cook," said bank
employee Kholoud Ahmad. "I can't even think about having babies who I can't be
there for."
Kholoud said her friends who have babies suffer all the time and that
worrying about being unable to be with their kids has affected many women.
"Not many men welcome the idea of hiring a nanny," she said. "That's why
many women are preferring not to have babies now."
The Ministry of Labor will be checking on businesses to make sure the new
ruling is implemented, Al-Eqtisadiah daily reported recently. Businesses that
have 50 working mothers must provide a nanny, and companies employing 100
working mothers must provide a fully equipped nursery room and nannies.
But even as the new rules are implemented, many mothers hope and pray
that more help is on the way.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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