Maternity Should Not Be Barrier In Women's Career: Supreme Court Judge

"I have firmly believed that maternity should not be a barrier for the careers of women to plateau or dip. Motherhood must not result in a situation where women are passed over for promotions and hiring," Supreme Court Judge Justice BV Nagarathna said.

Maternity should not be a barrier in women's careers and providing access to quality childcare at the workplace would ensure that motherhood does not become an obstacle to women's empowerment, said Supreme Court Judge Justice BV Nagarathna on Friday.

Justice Nagarathna, who was speaking as the guest of honour at the inauguration of a crèche facility at the Delhi High Court, said that no country, community, or economy can achieve its potential without full and equal participation of women and reliable, affordable and good quality childcare is essential to encourage more mothers to join and participate in the labour force.

"I have firmly believed that maternity should not be a barrier for the careers of women to plateau or dip. Motherhood must not result in a situation where women are passed over for promotions and hiring. It is in that context that I say that providing access to quality childcare at the workplace would play a significant role in ensuring that motherhood does not become an insurmountable barrier to women's empowerment," Justice Nagarathna stated.

The Supreme Court judge also noted the "disappointing trend" of women leaving the workforce, including the legal profession, in spite of an increase in their entry and said that one of the reasons behind it was the lack of an alternate caregiver when they become parents.