4.1 Challenges in Balancing Work, Family, and Household Responsibilities
Working parents face severe time constraints due to long working hours, leaving them with little time for their children's needs. This limited time becomes a precious resource, making it difficult to meet their children's physical and emotional demands.
Another prevalent theme identified by the interviewed working parents pertains to their concerns about their children being exposed to undesirable cultural influences from babysitters or hired caregivers. Children, in the absence of their parents, may be exposed to content such as inappropriate songs, cultural practices, or movies, which raises concerns about the potential risks they may encounter in such situations“……the difficult situation for me is that the children, whether they are in the morning or at night, are both in need of constant care, care and continuous discipline, while the most difficult situation is that the children are left behind, and I do not want the children to hear or watch bad things as an example of sings, movies and other things that we do not agree with such as undesired culture……” Mr. Om.
In essence, these themes underscore the complex and multifaceted challenges faced by working parents, shedding light on the difficulties they encounter in maintaining a balance between their professional lives and their roles as caregivers and parents.
One of the prominent themes identified among working parents, as highlighted by participants in the research, is the persistence of traditional gender roles, particularly concerning working mothers. These women continue to bear the responsibilities of homemaking, including food preparation, cleaning, laundry, and childcare. Balancing these multifaceted roles presents a significant challenge as they strive to manage their workload, childcare, education, and household management simultaneously. “…. we were both working…. we had to return to work in the mornings. This led us to consider who would stay at home and manage household responsibilities, including cooking. The first challenge we encountered was the division of these tasks as the wife is responsible for traditional responsibility such as cooking…”
As a result, working mothers, in particular, experience a heavy burden of responsibilities encompassing house affairs such as cleaning, cooking, washing, and childcare alongside their work commitments. This challenge is consistently faced by these women on a daily basis, making it a sustained and enduring aspect of their lives as working parents.
The participants in the research, especially working wives, emphasized that this theme represents one of the most substantial challenges encountered by working mothers. It underscores the ongoing struggle these women face in navigating the demands of both their professional careers and their traditional roles within the home. “…. My husband's primary contribution is financial support for the family, while I handle most other aspects of household management such as cooking, children caring, workload and washing….”Mr.F
Furthermore, working parents, particularly working mothers, juggle numerous roles, including childcare, running the household, and shouldering financial responsibilities for their extended family. This financial support becomes even more vital if they come from a disadvantaged background, as they need to cover expenses such as housing and their siblings' education.
Another significant challenge experienced by some families, as revealed in the research, is the absence of premarital agreements between spouses. In many cases, partners do not engage in deep discussions about their expectations, plans, and coping mechanisms for managing the complexities of work, household responsibilities, and childcare. This lack of premarital preparation can lead to elevated tension, an increased burden of household management, childcare responsibilities, and work commitments for working parents. “…I recommend that girls who aspire to work and marry engage in open discussions with their partners before marriage to ensure alignment in their aspirations and expectations.” Mrs. AS.
As a consequence, I have observed from the community that husbands may feel compelled to request that their wives stop working, creating a challenging situation for these working wives. This situation often escalates into conflicts between spouses, and cooperation becomes scarce. In some unfortunate cases, these conflicts can even result in divorce.
This theme underscores the importance of open and comprehensive communication between partners before marriage to align their expectations and strategies for balancing work and family life. The absence of such discussions can lead to strained relationships and difficult decisions for working couples.
4.2 Work-Related Challenges and Expectations
According to the participants of the research, one of the significant challenges faced by working wives is the demanding nature of their workload, shifting roles within the family, and time constraints. This challenge particularly affects working wives as they juggle the demands of their jobs while still feeling responsible for traditional household roles such as cleaning, cooking, and washing. “…It's quite a challenge, to be honest! Balancing work and family isn't as simple as it might seem….” Mrs. F. “… It is difficult for everyone who tries to do these two tasks…” Mrs. If
Furthermore, working wives often find themselves in situations that require them to simultaneously manage pregnancy, student life, and work. These changing circumstances create pressure for both husbands and wives, especially when the situation evolves month by month and year by year. Working parents, especially women, face significant time constraints as they attempt to address the pressing challenges of this dynamic environment.
Working wives typically spend nearly 8 hours at their jobs, and after work, they return home to handle tasks such as cleaning, washing, cooking, and caring for their children. If a working wife becomes pregnant or falls ill, she may find it challenging to maintain and balance all these responsibilities unless she receives support or can temporarily step back from some of her duties. This scenario highlights the need for understanding and cooperation within the family to alleviate the pressure on working wives and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
One of the recurring themes that participants have frequently highlighted is that husbands are still considered the primary breadwinners, accounting for approximately 90% of cases, while wives continue to fulfil the role of homemakers. Traditional gender roles remain deeply ingrained in the family dynamic, and their influence has not undergone significant changes. This adherence to traditional roles can sometimes create problems and conflicts, particularly in culturally sensitive contexts. “…. when we look at the overall picture, I'd say that approximately 90% of the responsibility typically falls on me….” Mr. S
Interestingly, the earnings of working wives make a dual contribution to their families, with both indirect and direct effects. It is worth noting that this dual contribution, while not an obligation for wives according to Islamic principles, holds substantial significance in the financial dynamics of households.
Indirectly, working wives may use their income to purchase household necessities and items, benefiting the home and their children. This act, although not a mandated duty, showcases their active role in enhancing the family's quality of life.
Directly, working wives contribute to their families in various tangible ways. In families where both parents work, despite the primary responsibility placed on husbands by Islamic principles, wives actively share the financial burdens and provide support. This support can manifest in covering bills such as electricity, water, and healthcare expenses.
This dual contribution highlights the substantial financial role that working wives assume within their families, reflecting the changing dynamics of modern households.
In contrast, families relying on a single income often encounter more substantial financial challenges than those with both parents employed. This financial disparity can introduce difficulties in single-income households, underscoring the significance of financial transparency.
In some cultural contexts, men may withhold their actual income for various reasons, including saving, personal expenses such as chewing khat, or planning for the future by reducing spending on nonessential family items. These practices can exacerbate the financial strain faced by the family, emphasizing the critical need for open communication and mutual support within these households. "While my wife's earnings indirectly and directly benefit our family, I still take pride in providing financially, even though we both contribute to our household's well-being." Mr. B
Participants in the research have conveyed a common theme regarding the disparity between their premarriage expectations and the real challenges they face as working parents. Before marriage, many working parents imagined that everything would proceed smoothly; however, the reality has presented them with numerous challenges. “…Before you take the plunge into marriage, especially when you're both working,… the honeymoon phase ends, and unexpected things can surface that neither of you anticipated. I've witnessed firsthand how tough it can be for couples to navigate shared responsibilities, especially when their professional lives are intertwined….” Mr.M
These challenges include heightened pressure, conflicts, and tension between spouses. The expectations held prior to marriage often differ significantly from the actual experiences encountered. For instance, some working husbands initially believed that marrying a working wife would lead to a comfortable life, but the reality often deviates from these expectations. In response to the challenges they face, some husbands may request that their wives stop working, expressing concerns that their children might become neglected due to the demands of both parents' careers.
However, it is important to note that participants emphasized the difficulty of permanently quitting a job for working wives. This dilemma underscores the complex decisions and compromises that working parents, particularly working mothers, must navigate to balance their careers and family responsibilities.
Therefore, working parents identified stress and depression as significant challenges arising from the dual responsibilities they shoulder. These responsibilities encompass work commitments, pursuing education, caring for their children, and managing household affairs. When working parents lack effective coping mechanisms and cooperation, the resulting burden can lead to heightened stress and even depression. "The combination of work-related pressure and my responsibilities as a wife can sometimes lead to stress and depression." Mrs. As
4.3 Family Dynamics and Interpersonal Challenges
The participants in the research shed light on a significant theme, namely "Changing Dynamics, Misunderstandings, and Coordination", within working couples. This theme has emerged due to the changing dynamics resulting from working wives gaining financial independence. This shift impacts traditional gender roles, which have been deeply rooted in Somali culture for centuries.
Working wives, who now contribute directly and indirectly to their families, require support from their husbands in various aspects, including childcare, household management, cooking, and washing. However, this change can also lead to cultural sensitivity, external influences, and resulting misunderstandings. These challenges manifest as a lack of compromise, inadequate joint planning, and communication issues between working spouses, making it difficult for life to proceed smoothly. “…. I believe in trusting the woman's financial management skills. While the family's financial responsibility is a joint effort, I acknowledge her need for financial stability and independence and not be interfered with because it is her right….” Mr. M
One notable challenge within this theme is the direct or strict control of a wife's earnings, primarily driven by cultural sensitivity. This underscores the complexities and cultural dynamics that working Somali couples navigate as they strive to balance changing roles, financial independence, and traditional expectations. “…. Somali men tend to provide financially—covering expenses, food, clothing, and other essentials. they don't usually provide assistance beyond that. they might buy medicine for the children or handle some shopping. As for cooking, cleaning, and washing, that's unlikely to happen. Requesting such help might even lead to divorce in some cases…” Mrs. F
4.4 Emotional and Societal Challenges
The participants in the research unveiled a crucial theme: the emotional challenges faced by working wives and mothers. The return to work after maternity leave can be emotionally taxing for working mothers. Furthermore, children with both parents working also encounter emotional challenges, as they spend less time with their parents due to work commitments. “…When my first child was born…... when I came back to work, I was depressed because I was worried about my baby and my mother who was holding the baby. This issue caused me to leave my job and adopt the child…………” Mrs. If
Moreover, working women often contend with negative societal expectations. There is an expectation in the community that they should stay at home while their husbands work, driven by the belief that women should only work in specific circumstances, such as when they have lost their husbands or their husbands are incapacitated, leading them to become the primary breadwinners in the family. “…People often tell me, "Your husband is working, so why do you still work? You should stay at home and take care of your children." Mrs. F
However, working wives face workplace challenges, including issues such as maternity leave without salary and disparities in promotions, particularly within the private sector. These challenges underscore the need for greater support and gender equality in workplaces to accommodate the needs of working women. “…. Yes, we face discrimination in the workplace. They often don't consider us as seriously as they do men, assuming we lack time. As working mothers, we often don't get promoted or offered the same opportunities” Mrs. F
4.2 Coping mechanisms
4.2.1 Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities
The participants in the research shared various coping mechanisms employed by working parents to navigate the challenges they faced. These mechanisms include dealing with the issue of maternal leave, particularly in workplaces that do not grant full maternal leave without deductions, as is often the case in private sectors.
To address this, working parents, especially women, resort to taking short breaks to care for their babies. They also rely on using formula milk to ensure that their babies are fed in their absence due to the limitations of obtaining full maternal leave in certain workplaces. “…When I initially started working……, my baby was only 10 days old. I worked for 3 days and then took the next 3 days off to care for my baby and manage household affairs…..and sometimes my mother came over to help with the baby. I would also take my baby to my mother's house on the days I worked, and bring the baby back home when I returned from work….”Mrs. A
Some working parents are fortunate to have flexibility in their work and leave arrangements, allowing them to attend to their children's needs and handle unexpected situations such as caring for sick children or family members. This flexibility is more commonly found in government institutions or community-based organizations. However, larger businesses tend to provide maternity leave for working mothers, whereas smaller businesses may not offer such flexibility. “…. she gets four months of maternity leave and an extra normal month of leave….” Mr. M
To address the challenges they face, working parents, particularly mothers, employ various coping mechanisms. One common strategy is to seek outside assistance to adjust their working hours, often relying on trusted family members such as mothers or sisters to care for their children during their absence at the workplace. “….my mother and my husband supported me…” mrs Am
Regarding household management responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and washing, working mothers frequently hire housemaids who are responsible for handling these tasks. This approach becomes necessary because, as working wives, they are expected to be homemakers and to cope effectively, they need to delegate these responsibilities to others, especially when assistance from family members is not readily available. These strategies exemplify the resourcefulness of working parents in managing their work and family commitments. “…I asked my cousin, who works in Hargeisa, to step in and help me while I'm at work by giving her some of the money she earns there. She helped for three years..” Mrs.F
Another important coping mechanism employed by working parents is mutual sacrifice and understanding between both partners. This involves husbands actively participating in traditionally nonmale roles, including childcare and household management, beyond being the primary breadwinners. This shift helps alleviate the fatigue and workload experienced by working wives, enabling them to better balance their family responsibilities with their careers. “…..., there were times when she left home at 7 AM, and I would take care of the children until she returned at night…” Mr.M
Furthermore, the research participants indicated that working parents have honed their time management and strategic prioritization skills to overcome obstacles and challenges. This includes efficiently addressing issues such as the lack of ample time for children, managing household responsibilities, and achieving a balance between work, education, and leisure time for relaxation. These strategies reflect the adaptability and resourcefulness of working parents in navigating their multifaceted roles and responsibilities. “…. I had to figure out how to manage my time and prioritize my responsibilities. I also had to think strategically about what's most important….” Mrs.F
4.2.2 Support and Assistance
Having a strong support system from extended family members, such as sisters and mothers, plays a crucial role in helping working parents balance their responsibilities effectively. Additionally, external support and technology, such as video calls, provided by relatives can contribute to the smooth management of children and household responsibilities. This support network not only alleviates the pressure and stress faced by working mothers but also reduces the risk of neglecting children due to reliable assistance from relatives and regular communication with children via video calls, which helps them feel emotionally connected. "…My family, particularly my mother and sister, provide invaluable support, ensuring I am equipped to sustain my employment…." Mrs. As. “… We have found a solution that works for us. We have a family member, a girl, who assists us in caring for the children during our work hours….” Mr. m
However, it is worth noting that while seeking support from relatives can be beneficial, there may also be challenges, such as exposure to undesired external influences or cultural differences that children might encounter when interacting with people outside the immediate family. Balancing the benefits and potential challenges of external support is an important consideration for working parents. “…. I decided to use a camera to capture what goes on at home when I'm not there, especially how my kids are taken care of…” Mrs. F.
“……the difficult situation for me is that the children, whether they are in the morning or at night, are both in need of constant care, care and continuous discipline, while the most difficult situation is that the children are left behind, and I do not want the children to hear or watch bad things as an example of sings, movies and other things that we do not agree with such as undesired culture……” Mr. Om
The participants in the research shared significant themes related to coping with the challenges faced by working parents. These coping mechanisms help them manage workload, educational pressures, childcare, and household responsibilities effectively.
One key theme revolves around planning and arrangements, joint communication, and strategic planning and consistency. Working parents emphasize the importance of having joint plans, whether on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. These joint plans and open communication help alleviate the burden of responsibilities and enable working parents to maintain a balanced life without conflicts or undue pressure.“…...listening to each other is the cure for everything… we discuss the differences and we know each other. If additional situations arise, we discuss them with each other, and then everything is solved. So, if you have a problem, please share your opinion….” Mr.S
To further avoid conflicts, misunderstandings, and lack of cooperation, working parents employ techniques like Joint Financial Planning or shared financial goals, along with Communication and Transparency. Participants highlight the significance of financial independence for working wives. They stress that husbands should refrain from interfering with their wives' finances, allowing them to maintain their financial autonomy. While working wives contribute directly or indirectly to the family's finances, husbands are still perceived as the primary breadwinners in approximately 90% of cases. Therefore, wives are not expected to provide for the family financially, but they must maintain transparency about their financial status with their husbands to prevent misunderstandings. “…. Planning played a crucial role in overcoming these difficulties. We discussed what time was available, our commitments, and how we could allocate time to tackle the challenges. For instance, I have some days off, like Fridays and Thursdays, and evenings without classes. We took advantage of these slots. We might allocate three to four hours in the morning or evening to address various tasks. This plan helped us navigate through our responsibilities more effectively. By adhering to the plan, we were able to maintain our resilience. I firmly believe that every challenge has a solution, and it often revolves around planning….” Mr. M
Establishing joint financial planning or shared financial goals is crucial for enhancing understanding, mutual support, compromise, patience, joint communication, shared schedules, and joint financial investments for the future. These practices contribute to improved family cohesion and respect between working parents. It is a way for them to navigate the challenges of balancing work and family while maintaining a harmonious relationship.
4.2.3 Relationships and Acceptance
The participants in the research have highlighted the cultural expectations in Somali society where women are traditionally seen as homemakers, and men as the primary breadwinners in families. However, with increased access to education and employment opportunities, many women are choosing to pursue careers after marriage. This shift has led to some challenges, especially when husbands request that their wives stay at home, leading to family conflicts and potential destruction.
To address this issue and avoid conflicts, both working wives and husbands have recognized the importance of having deep discussions and premarital agreements. Before getting married, it is crucial for working women to seek acceptance and agreement from their partners regarding their career choices. A husband's acceptance of his wife's desire to work can significantly reduce conflicts after marriage and increase the level of support he provides to his working wife. This, in turn, helps working wives manage their responsibilities more effectively, both physically and emotionally. “…. The role of my husband is crucial as it sets the foundation for everything. If he were to refuse to work, it would impact my ability to work, and I would likely end up being solely responsible for taking care of the children …my husband supported my decision to work and agreed even before our marriage that I would continue my career…” Mrs. F
Premarital agreements and open discussions about a wife's career, including the nature of her work, working hours, location, and shifts, can minimize future problems and enhance various aspects of the marital relationship. These discussions promote Spousal Adaptation and Understanding, Shared Responsibility, Spousal Support and Cooperation, and Conflict Avoidance. By addressing these issues before marriage, couples can better navigate the challenges of balancing work and family life while maintaining a harmonious and supportive partnership.
“… I advise those who want to marry and work as well, they should discuss deeply, nature of work, household management, children care, plan and communication for solving challenges….” Mrs. AS
4.2.4 Emotional Well-being and Coping
After analyzing the data collected through structured observation, several coping mechanisms used by working parents have been identified. One such coping mechanism involves taking occasional trips to hotels with their children and husbands. These getaways provide a change in scenery, relaxation, and much-needed relief from work-related stress and pressure. "To cope with stress and depression, I occasionally take my children and husband to hotels for a change of scenery and relaxation." Mrs. As.
Furthermore, working families have shared another coping mechanism for dealing with stress and depression. In times of emotional turmoil, they turn to prayer and make dua, seeking solace and relief from Allah. This spiritual practice helps them find inner peace and strength during challenging moments.
4.3 The impact of employment on parenting, and vice versa
4.3.1 Family Dynamics and Impact of Work
The impact of employment on parenting and family life is a central theme discussed by the research participants, encompassing both negative and positive aspects. Working parents face various challenges related to workload, balancing family responsibilities, and societal expectations.
One significant negative impact identified by working parents is the scarcity of time available for caring for their children. This shortage of time can lead to the influence of babysitters or exposure to undesired cultures and potential risks for children. The long hours and faraway workplaces that many working parents contend contribute to this challenge. As a result, children may be negatively affected by the lack of ample parental time and exposure to external influences. “…. One of the most challenging times I've faced was centered around my child. Being away from home, I entrusted a babysitter to care for my children during my absence from work. …I discovered that the babysitter had mistreated my three-year-old daughter….” Mrs. F
On the positive side, employment has granted working wives financial independence, enabling them to make direct and indirect contributions to their families' financial stability. However, this financial independence has also led to some negative consequences: for instance, when a husband has control over his wife's finances, it can give rise to conflicts-_ It has sometimes resulted in the separation of families, family destruction, ongoing conflicts, and emotional distance between spouses. “……...the money I earn from work, I manage my self needs, I support my family such as my mother and children, …..so I have financial freedom and independence in terms of money which helps me to manage everything that comes to me…..” Mrs. A
These issues can be attributed to various factors, including the lack of premarital agreements between spouses and the disparity between the expectations and reality of working parents who grew up in cultures where the mother typically assumes the role of homemaker, and the father is the primary breadwinner. Balancing these traditional roles with the demands of modern employment can be challenging and sometimes detrimental to family unity.
Indeed, one of the key themes emerging from the impact of employment on working parents is the development of a culture of spousal support and collaboration. This cultural shift signifies husbands stepping beyond traditional roles to actively assist their working wives in balancing work and family responsibilities, including childcare, household management, and cooking. This shift demonstrates the importance of husbands actively participating in family life and supporting their wives' careers. “……I took care of the children, caring for the youngest while the elder child was already taken care of. …. I took on household duties during that time. This brings me to my second point: it's not just about providing income or food, as per the customary Somali husband's role. Providing food and income is a baseline, but it doesn't mean I can't assist with other aspects…...” Mr. M
Furthermore, working parents emphasize the theme of Career Advancement and Fulfilling Family Roles. Both partners in these families are dedicated to building their careers while also fulfilling their family roles. They do so by supporting each other, cooperating, and engaging in joint planning and vision for their family's future. This cooperative approach results in more productive and harmonious families compared to those where only one person is working, as highlighted by the research participants. “……I value my wife's education tremendously. Her expertise in economics, a subject I didn't specialize in, has proven invaluable….” Mr. M. “…. When I got married, I was a fourth-year university student I was studying at night...” Mrs. H
This cultural evolution toward greater collaboration and shared responsibilities reflects the changing dynamics of modern families as they strive to balance work and family life effectively.
Indeed, one of the remarkable positive impacts highlighted by the research is the transformation of working wives into primary breadwinners during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, women find themselves in a situation where their jobs can continue during the pandemic, while their husbands unfortunately lose their employment and become jobless. This transition positions the wives as the primary breadwinners.. “…..responsibility is first on the man, maybe sometimes like COVID-19, he(I) was not working and the wife who was working was paying for the household, but when it's summarized, 90% of responsibility is on me” MR. H
It is important to note that this scenario particularly pertains to skilled women, such as those working in healthcare professions such as nursing and midwifery or when the husband faces illness that prevents him from working. In such situations, women take on the role of breadwinners, providing essential income for the family. This shift in roles demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of working families, as well as the recognition that both partners can contribute significantly to the household's financial stability and well-being. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of mutual support and cooperation between spouses in times of need, fostering a strong sense of unity within the family “…...when I wanted to get married, I had a plan to marry an educated girl who could work if I got sick….” Mr. S
4.3.2 Psychological and Emotional Impact
It is evident from the research that working parents often grapple with significant negative influences, with stress and depression being among the most prominent. Both men and women in working parent roles have reported experiencing high levels of stress, pressure, and work-related workload, which have had detrimental effects on their well-being. As a result, these parents tend to avoid discussing work-related pressures when they return home, highlighting the need to find ways to cope with the emotional toll of their responsibilities. “...Six months into marriage, we agreed to avoid discussing work-related issues at home to prevent potential strain on our relationship….” Mr. N Another intriguing aspect is the emotional impact on husbands whose wives work alongside other men. These husbands may experience feelings of jealousy or insecurity. While this can create emotional challenges within families, it is noteworthy that many participants also observed that working wives tend to become more protective and aware of potential dangers, especially concerning their children's safety. This heightened sense of protection can be seen as a positive aspect amid the challenges faced by working parents. “…. working woman is new to Somali culture alongside men because I grew up with my mother who is home caring and household affairs just like other mothers in the neighbors, seeing your wife working with men is a strange thing in my culture….” Mr. B. “…Jealousy matters, I am summarizing, it is emotional and not rational… ” Mr.S
4.3.3 Balancing Work and Family Roles
One notable positive impact observed among working parents is their ability to turn challenges into opportunities for personal growth and development. Instead of viewing weaknesses and pressures as obstacles, they have managed to transform them into strengths. This positive mindset has led to several benefits, including a result-oriented approach, enhanced productivity, and increased focus. “……..I focus on my responsibilities—work, family, and being with my children. This mindset has made me more productive than fathers who work solely and have their wives manage the home…...” Mr.m
Additionally, working parents have developed effective strategies for balancing their responsibilities, which has allowed them to navigate their roles more efficiently. This adaptability and resilience contribute to their success in both the workplace and their family lives.
Indeed, it is noteworthy that husbands whose wives work have broken away from traditional gender roles and have begun to provide multifaceted support beyond just being the primary breadwinners. This shift reflects changing dynamics within families as they adapt to the demands of modern life. “…. He is an essential part of my support system, and his acceptance and support contribute significantly to my ability to manage everything effectively…” Mrs. f
However, one of the challenges faced by working parents is the disruption of their schedules due to workplace demands. These disruptions can have a cascading effect on parental styles, leading to less time for childcare, disrupting routines, and affecting the fixed schedules that are essential for family stability. Balancing these schedules and responsibilities becomes a critical aspect of managing the challenges of working parenthood. “…...on certain nights, she would finish her work around 10:30 PM, and since she's a mother, an additional hour is given to accommodate her responsibilities……” Mr. m
4.3.4 Relationship Dynamics and Challenges
Certainly, one of the positive impacts of employment on parenting is that working wives gain a deeper understanding of the value of money and its effective management. This financial awareness allows working women to be more attuned to the economic situation and the family's financial needs, compared to homemakers according to the participants of the research.
“…It is easy to persuade the educated girl because she understands the economy and what it can do in life, but the girl knows that the two hundred you take are enough for the world” Mr. S
This financial consciousness can be beneficial for the entire family as it leads to more informed decisions and better financial planning. It also contributes to a greater sense of economic stability and security within the household, which is valuable for both working parents and their children. Parents who work in mobile and Faraway workplaces especially working wives in jobs with long hours and limited flexibility, especially those who require mobile teams or faraway workplaces, can negatively impact parental styles, affecting both working parents. “……...She returned to work in the mobile team when the baby was 8 months old, and you know an 8 months baby whose mother sometimes moved from the city……...” Mr. H
4.4 Advice and Recommendations for Workplace
4.4.1 Support Systems and Communication
New working parents can benefit from participants' advice: self-assessment, compromise, mutual support, flexibility, and teamwork are crucial for managing work and family roles effectively. These insights lay a strong foundation for navigating the challenges of balancing career and family responsibilities.
One of the key pieces of advice from working parents is the importance of having a reliable family support network, particularly for new working parents. They emphasize the role of extended family in providing assistance during difficult times and helping to balance the responsibilities of work and family life. This support network can be invaluable in navigating the challenges of parenthood while maintaining a career. “…. there should be a family member who can stay at home while they are away” Mrs. A
Indeed, having a supportive husband and ensuring partner acceptance is crucial for women who choose to balance a dual role as working mothers. Open and deep discussions before marriage can help establish this understanding and support, ultimately reducing the burden on the working mother and fostering a more harmonious family environment.
The recommendations provided by participants in the research highlight valuable coping mechanisms and conflict resolution strategies for working parents. Open communication, discussions, and mutual respect are essential during conflicts between spouses. Trust and financial security within the marital relationship are crucial factors, and setting shared financial goals for both working wives and husbands can contribute to better understanding, cooperation, and harmonious family life. These insights can serve as valuable guidance for working parents in managing the challenges they face. “One of the factors that make a family successful is listening to each other, and communication and conversion to each other……” Mr. H. “…For those who need a life must be make plan, it is possible to plan things like shared saving, opening a financial source………………” Mrs. IF
4.4.2 Workplace and Policy Support
The recommendations from working parents underscore the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that provide flexibility and understanding of the challenges and responsibilities faced by working parents, particularly working mothers in the private sector. This highlights the need for employers to consider family-friendly policies and support mechanisms to help working parents balance their work and family responsibilities effectively.
The recommendations from working parents emphasize the need for policy improvements in the workplace. This includes advocating for better workplace policies that support both male and female working parents and enforcing existing family laws and regulations. “While the civil service law provides several benefits to employees, including four months of maternity leave and a one-day leave for fathers, those working in the private sector face various challenges. To address these issues and ensure equitable treatment, the government should take decisive action. This could include establishing a commission to review and improve private sector employee benefits, ensuring compliance with existing regulations, and implementing policies that promote work-life balance for all employees” Mr.s
Additionally, participants stress the importance of enforcing existing laws related to work, especially in the private sector, to ensure that working mothers are provided with the necessary support, such as maternity leave, during challenging times. These recommendations aim to create a more supportive and equitable work environment for working parents. “….We should utilize existing laws that support working mothers during challenging times, including maternity leave, sick leave, leave for children's illnesses, and annual leave without salary deduction” Mrs. A
4.4.3 Financial Independence and Premarital Discussion
The participants interviewed by the researcher have put forth some valuable recommendations. They suggest that husbands, whose wives are working, should refrain from exerting control over their wives' finances. This is seen as a measure to avoid conflicts and to maintain a balance between work and family responsibilities. Consequently, the financial independence of the wife can directly or indirectly benefit the family, contributing to the needs of both the family and the children, which the father alone may not be able to cover entirely. “…I believe a working wife should have the freedom to manage her earnings because it benefits the whole family, including the children and my home….” Mrs. A
Furthermore, the research participants advise against embracing negative ideas from feminist perspectives. Instead, they emphasize the importance of making choices that are in line with one's personal values and goals, rather than succumbing to external pressures. These recommendations aim to foster healthy dynamics within families where both partners are working. “Somali women preparing for marriage may face external influences, including feminist ideas. prioritizing Islamic principles provides a strong foundation for family life, guiding them through modern complexities while upholding cultural and religious values” Mr.B
The participants in the research suggested that society should be more supportive of married women who choose to work. They emphasize the importance of reducing barriers to their employment. This support can help working women cope with financial burdens for their families and make valuable contributions to both their families and their country, particularly as taxpayers. These recommendations highlight the positive impact that a supportive society can have on the lives of many Somali families. “… There might be misconceptions and misunderstandings in society about working parents. It's important for people to recognize the context and dynamics of each family before making judgments or assumptions….” Mr. M
The participants in the research emphasized the importance of working women discussing their career goals and their partner's support before marriage. This proactive approach to planning for work and motherhood can help prevent potential conflicts, misunderstandings, and lack of support between spouses. It is crucial that a woman's partner accepts her choice to continue working, recognizing the importance of mutual understanding and support within the family. These discussions and agreements before marriage can pave the way for a smoother and more supportive family life. "I recommend that girls who aspire to work and marry engage in open discussions with their partners before marriage to ensure alignment in their aspirations and expectations." Mrs. As
The participants in the research highlighted the importance of working women having access to child care or reliable care for their children. This involves addressing childcare problems and finding solutions to ensure that children are well-cared for and not neglected while their mothers pursue their careers or education. Providing a safe and supportive environment for children is essential for working parents to balance their responsibilities effectively. “...having a support system in place is crucial, such as her mother's support. Trying to do both without support is not practical…” Mrs. A
In conclusion, participants in the research have suggested that working women or those who wish to continue their careers should respect and follow their husbands' authority, regardless of their financial status, education, or social status, to maintain family cohesion. This recommendation reflects the importance of mutual respect and cooperation within a marital relationship to ensure a harmonious balance between work and family life. “I consult my husband at every step and follow his lead. I am transparent in my decisions, so it doesn't affect his leadership role….” Mr.A