Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Join Coalition to Urge for Childcare for Working Moms
Archewell has joined forces with Marshall Plan for Moms to pursue new childcare support solutions.
Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry‘s charitable foundation has signed on to Marshall Plan for Moms‘ new national business coalition, which will pursue solutions to equitable childcare support for working parents.
Archewell joins other leading organizations—such as Care.com, Patagonia, and Athletes Unlimited—in the movement’s initiative to create a more sustainable workplace. In addition to publicly urging stakeholders to establish childcare provisions for their employees, members of the coalition will also share their policies, data, and best practices on the issue.
“Families everywhere, and especially working moms, are asked to shoulder so much,” the Duchess of Sussex said in a statement released today. “This has only been heightened by the pandemic, with increased caregiving responsibilities, rising prices, and economic uncertainty. As it’s been said many times, it takes a village to raise a child. Today, we’re sending a message that childcare isn’t just a community imperative—it’s a business imperative. Creating a stronger workforce starts with meeting the needs of families.”
The launch of the coalition coincides with a new report published by Marshall Plan for Moms. The Business Case for Child Care found that expanded childcare benefits helps to attract, retain, and advance female employees in the American workplace, especially following their exodus from the labor force during the pandemic.
The survey reported that 69 percent of women with children under five years old are more likely to opt for a job position that offers on-site childcare or benefits. It also found that 83 percent say that childcare benefits are a significant factor in choosing whether or not to stay at their current jobs.
“The input from working parents is clear: Employer child care supports can improve the recruitment, retention, productivity, and happiness of employees,” Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Marshall Plan for Moms, said in a statement. “This is not only crucial for the health and wellbeing of individual American families but also central to American economic competitiveness.”
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