A conversation about work, motherhood, domestic labor, and feminism in Japan
In this episode of Work Family Me, I speak with Tanja McCandie.
Tanja McCandie is a Canadian national in her 40s living, working, and parenting in Japan with her son.
She works as an associate professor, advocates for gender and teacher development, and handles homework, laundry, and baseball games while her husband works abroad.
How? Let's check in.
In this episode, we discuss:
a look at equality and feminism across different societal structures and the importance of advocating for women’s rights
permission for mothers to enjoy their work without the guilt
tips to discuss support with your partner so that you can both attend work events or conferences
the realities of being a “single” married parent
the need for more equality among men and women with domestic duties
the power of women having access to choices and financial wellbeing
a call to redefine masculinity
a reflection exercise to determine who is doing the bulk of the invisible labor in the home
the impact of having support and other women you can lean on when you need help
I hope you enjoyed this episode with Tanja and hearing this discussion around feminism and the choices women are making in today’s society around work, career, and family. She is working to give her son an example of how men can be capable in a home, despite the societal norms and there is so much power in that.
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Links:
Work with me - 1:1 coaching details
Here is a link to Tanja’s dissertation on gender inequity in Japanese higher education https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/oip/317/
Quotes:
“It’s not that women have a deficit. It’s that we aren’t given the same opportunities that men are.” -Tanja
Prefer to read? Find the full transcript here Motherhood, domestic labor, and feminism in Japan with Tanja McCandie