In the last couple of weeks I read a couple of things that made me wonder about a broader definition of diversity ─ acceptance of the choices women make regarding work and family.

Cleo Thompson who writes PriceWaterhouseCoopers ‘s wonderful Gender Agenda blog described her reaction to the British press’s coverage of French justice minister Rachida Dati ‘s decision to return to work five days after giving birth to her first child by Caesarean section. (On a personal note, having had two C-sections, I am in awe!). While the media coverage was focused on the decision Dati made and the “message” it sent to women and to employers. Thompson wrote about the bigger question of why we feel compelled to weigh in on the decisions other women make for themselves.

Here in the U.S., Michelle Obama, our new First Lady, has been described as “unemployed” given the decision she’s made to focus on her children and her new role. Although Tuesday was surely not typical of the “usual” day she will have as First Lady, I doubt that anyone who considered the grueling schedule she kept would think of her as “unemployed”!

As an aside, Lauren Stiller Rikleen wrote an interesting piece for the Washington Post calling for tangible recognition of value of the role of First Lady, including a job description and compensation.

While these women are public figures whose decisions make the papers, every day women all over the world grapple with their own decisions about how to make work and family work. And everyone’s situation is different.

I wrote some time ago about the good news that couples are sharing decision-making more than ever before but there is no doubt that even today women disproportionally manage family matters ─ and it’s not easy. Not only are the physical demands a challenge but the emotional ones take a toll as well. I remember telling my mother that I was planning to continue working outside the home shortly after I told her I was expecting my first child. She was stunned and shocked at the same time; her reaction caused me to think again about my decision. Thank goodness all I did was think, she got over it and I have two completely well functioning adult children now and am still doing what I love to do.

It may be that we are quick to judge the decisions others make because we are not as confident that our own decisions are the right ones. This quote from Elisabeth Robinson might help:

“I am capable of making my own decisions in my life. I am allowed to express myself. I approve of myself.”

TAGS: decisions, Michelle Obama, Rachida Dati, work and family