One third of mothers around the world say their competence has been questioned by employers and colleagues after becoming a parent, according to a survey conducted by Mothers in Science.
The survey also found that women are three times more likely than men to say they have been offered fewer professional opportunities since becoming a parent, and 34 per cent of mothers leave fulltime STEM employment after becoming a parent.
To combat this, employers need to prioritize improving parental leave, as well as caregiving and other supports for women, said Jessica Metcalf, associate professor at Colorado State University.