OLLI Scholar Talks   

The motherhood penalty refers to the social and economic disadvantages many women experience after having children, including lower wages, slower career advancement, and greater pressure to leave the workforce. In this presentation, we will explore what the motherhood penalty is, why it occurs, and how it affects women’s careers and broader patterns of gender inequality in the labor market.

Drawing on research from labor economics and public policy, the session will discuss key causes of the motherhood penalty, different forms it can take in the workplace, and its long-term consequences for women and families. The presentation will also include examples from the United States and other countries, as well as some research insights related to childcare access and policy discussions. The session will conclude with a discussion of potential policy approaches that could help reduce the motherhood penalty and support working parents.

“Home is not where you were born, home is where all of your attempts to escape cease”. –Naguib Mahfouz

What makes a person leave home, and how do they begin again? This presentation explores migration as a story of loss, courage, and hope through the experiences of women across different societies. With a special focus on Iran and Afghanistan, we will explore why women migrate and how their experiences reveal the connections between agency, resilience, and belonging. Through stories and discussion, we will reflect on identity, adaptation, and how home can be rebuilt far from where it began.