It takes a real woman to put family first, and Karen Hughes, senior counselor to President George W. Bush, has done just that with her recent departure from the White House. Not only has she resolved to spend more time with the people who matter most to her, she has also stepped up and shown that being a mom and a career woman is no easy task.
As a result of her high-profile relocation to Texas, eyebrows have raised at the role gender has played in her situation. Hughes has been received both warmly and harshly by the media. Some criticize her for abandoning President Bush during this turbulent time in America.
However, Hughes has been a key part of the White House staff and will continue to advise even after she leaves Washington. According to Bush, “Karen Hughes will be changing her address, but she will still be in my inner circle.” He even goes so far as to support her decision with his personal insight of her devotion to family. In times like these, it is especially important to be involved in the lives of those closest to us. Hughes has taken the initiative in creating a better environment for her family, an action that should not be remembered only in the wake of tragedies. Indeed, it should be top priority on everyone’s schedule.
Unfortunately, the need for money and possessions often puts quality family time on the back burner. Women are put in further complicated circumstances because of the simple desire for the best of both worlds — balancing a loving family and a successful career. Not to say men do not want the same, but society often identifies men as breadwinners, while women fall into the role of emotional supporters in the household. Women should theoretically be at home taking care of the kids. That is why it becomes increasingly difficult for women to get ahead in the business world.
According to a 2000 survey conducted by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, more than one-half of working women have no paid sick leave to care for a baby or an ill family member. One-third have no flexibility or control over their work hours, and a staggering 74 percent say their employers do not offer child care benefits
Does anyone else suspect a conspiracy here? It is true that men may not receive these benefits either, but it is logical to conclude that if both husband and wife are employed, at least one should be able to provide child care. Perhaps the main reason men do not get these same “privileges” is simply that they do not ask for them.
Regardless of your opinion of Hughes’ decision, if you think it frivolous or commendable, it is definitely a reality check. People — men or women — choosing to put their family on a pedestal is all too uncommon today. I hope people see the positive side of Hughes’ actions.