The Modern Women: A one-women orchestra in a world still learning to listen.

Picture this: a woman walks into the office, smooth as you like, fixes a crisis before anyone notices the panic in the room, rushes home to sort the kids' dinner, then still has time to console her friend going through a breakup. She’s basically a human Swiss Army knife—doing everything, for everyone, all the time. But here we are in 2024, and people still question whether women are “really cut out for it.” Spoiler alert: we are, and then some.

Yesterday, I met a woman who epitomises this. She’s a single mum, an immigrant, and a skilled professional in her field. Despite the odds being stacked against her, her dedication and brilliance shine through. Yet, when the conversation inevitably turned to gender inequality, one comment hit hard: “If she were a man, she would’ve been offered more money without hesitation.” It was a reminder of the frustrating reality that, despite decades of progress, we’re still playing catch-up, especially when it comes to pay.

The gender pay gap: same story, different year

Let’s get down to the numbers. In the UK, the gender pay gap for full-time employees in 2023 stood stubbornly at 8.3%. But if you’re a woman working part-time or in sectors traditionally dominated by men, the gap gets even worse. Some roles show gaps of up to 30%, with women earning far less than men for doing the same job. And the gap doesn’t just affect women’s bank accounts—it impacts everything from career advancement to retirement savings.

For working mothers, especially single ones, this pay gap is a life-defining issue. When you’re the sole provider, every penny counts. And when society expects you to “do it all”—climb the career ladder, raise a family, and maintain some semblance of personal sanity—the stakes are high. This isn’t just about ambition versus family; it’s a reflection of the structural inequalities women face daily, making it harder for them to move up the career ladder without sacrificing something.

The unseen labour: A woman’s second job

Here’s the kicker: even though women have smashed through glass ceilings to lead companies, win awards, and innovate across industries, at home, the imbalance is still staggering. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), women in the UK perform 60% more unpaid work than men—whether it’s childcare, cleaning, or caring for elderly relatives. And this isn't just confined to stay-at-home mums; it applies to women working full-time jobs, too. We’re expected to excel at work while also carrying the heavier load at home.

The problem is, society treats this as a given. Women are expected to manage the household and their careers, as if “having it all” doesn’t come with a massive mental and physical toll. It’s almost like women are handed a never-ending to-do list, with an unspoken “You’ve got this!” tacked on at the end. And heaven forbid we drop a ball or two—because the judgment follows: “Is she dedicated enough?” “Can she really handle the pressure?”

These unspoken expectations push many women to reduce their working hours, turn down promotions, or even leave their jobs entirely—not because they’re not capable or ambitious, but because the system isn’t designed to support them. And while men are praised for “helping out” at home, women are simply expected to do it, often without recognition.

The evolving role of women: From the home to the workplace

Historically, women were boxed into the role of homemaker, but now, women are leading businesses, governments, and breaking barriers across every industry. In sectors like science, engineering, and finance, we’re seeing women rise to the top, yet the expectation remains that they will still take on the bulk of family and home responsibilities.

This expectation of women to do more with less recognition or reward is why the pay gap persists. The same ONS data reveals that women in full-time roles still earn less than their male colleagues, even in 2024. It’s like running a marathon with a weight on your back, only to find out the men at the finish line didn’t have the same load.

But it’s not just about money. It’s about how women are perceived in the workplace. There’s a lingering notion that women are somehow more “unreliable” because they might need to take time off for family emergencies. When a woman steps up at work, she’s expected to over-deliver, while a man in the same situation is often praised just for showing up.

Why are we still having this conversation

So, why are we still talking about this in 2024? Why is it that women are still expected to juggle full-time jobs, run households, and somehow “lean in” and excel in careers traditionally dominated by men?

Part of the issue is the persistent social construct that women are the “default” caregivers. It’s a role that starts young, with little girls being taught to “be nice” and “be helpful,” and carries on into adulthood, where ambitious women are often labelled “too aggressive” or “bossy.” These stereotypes push women to constantly prove their worth, to show that they can handle anything thrown their way—often at great personal cost.

But the stats are clear: women are more likely to face career sacrifices because of family responsibilities. Studies show that women in leadership roles are still a minority, with only around 24% of board-level positions in the UK held by women in 2023. The gender pay gap in high-powered industries like finance, engineering, and technology remains stubbornly wide, and women in these roles often have to fight harder for recognition, promotions, and equal pay.

Resilience in the face of inequality

Despite these challenges, women keep pushing forward. We rise through the ranks, we mentor others, we network, and we build communities of resilience. These networks are powerful, helping women support each other in navigating the complexities of balancing work and home life.

At the same time, though, it’s exhausting. Women shouldn’t have to continually prove their worth to get the same recognition and opportunities as their male counterparts. It’s 2024, and yet here we are—still trying to close the gender pay gap, still advocating for flexible working policies that support parents, and still fighting against outdated stereotypes.

A new vision for equality

If women are expected to be the ultimate multi-taskers, juggling careers, home life, and personal goals with grace, then shouldn’t the world offer them the tools, support, and *equal pay* they deserve?

It’s time for real change. We need more flexible working policies, equal parental leave for both men and women, and an end to the unspoken assumption that a woman’s career is secondary to her caregiving responsibilities. Equality isn’t just about closing the pay gap; it’s about equal expectations, equal opportunities, and equal respect in all areas of life.

How do we create real change?

If you’re reading this, you probably already agree that women are capable of anything and everything. But capability doesn’t mean we should carry the burden alone. To create real, lasting change, we need men, employers, and policymakers to step up.

We need workplaces that value potential over perception, equal pay legislation that holds employers accountable, and a societal shift that recognises caregiving as a shared responsibility—not a woman’s default role. The journey towards equality isn’t over, but with every brave conversation, every woman who refuses to accept less than she deserves, and every ally who stands beside her, we’re getting one step closer.

So, let’s keep pushing. Let’s continue fighting for pay equity, shared domestic responsibilities, and a fair shot for women everywhere. Women don’t need to keep proving their worth—we’ve been doing that for centuries. Now, it’s time for the world to catch up.

Much love always