the day that I'm afraid of had come.
The temporary breastfeeding room - or so I called it, had been scheduled to be dismantled last weekend to allow more space for expanding team.
My 1st initial reaction was 'Why now?' and 'Why so short notice?'
but when I sit down to think further ... I'm actually consider lucky to earn 13 months extra ...
Imagine my other colleague who has just shared the room for 5 days only to receive this kind of shocking news.
Seeing this obstacle right in front of me, I emailed another 2 colleague - a new mother who has just started work after maternity & breastfeeding and another soon-to-be-mother of 2nd child next year.
I couldn't believe I was actually forming an alliance to 'fight' for our causes and rights.
I've wanted to include all other female colleagues as well but reserved them as back up plan if initial negotiation does not go as plan.
So early the next morning, we sort of 'march' into our immediate boss 'cubicle' to voice our concern. She is smart to see a common 'denomitor' among these mothers and immediately knew she can't escape this time. Or maybe I've been openly voicing my concern ever since yesterday evening when I've got the news.
I didn't even seem to mind being labeled as 'mastermind' ...
All I wanted was just for our rights to be recognised and we to be given basic access to our rights.
Moreover I think this is the best time to negotiate for a small little room for breastfeeding mothers since they are doing renovation.
It's time to ask now or never .... not so easy after people have renovated.
I strongly feel it's ok if we plant the 'tree' now so that many more mothers are able to sit in the 'shade' for many years to come (considering the demographic of my division).
To cut the long story short, our immediate boss (a lady) who initially suggested a meeting room has brought up our concerns to big boss who later suggested the pantry.
They refuse to cater for our need to have a little room ( I do not know for whatever reason).
Personally I prefer the meeting room than the pantry. I feel that it is unfair that the pantry is being locked at certain times of the day because 'someone is obviously doing something at somepoint of the day' ....
I do not know and do not care what are their intentions ... to slowly and gradually kill off our breastfeeding intention by making it more inconvenience and difficult for us.
Sorry for being selfish but to me, if you are unable to use the pantry especially during lunch time because I'm 'IN' there ... I'm sorry but a much better way, tell boss.
May be after much feedback, we mothers will be treated better ...
We just hope that bosses and management understand that besides our formal duties, we also have other equally important 'motherly duties'.
Anyhow, I'm still very thankful for the 13 months that they had given to me.
And for the months to come ... for at least they have still given us the 'green light' to use the pantry.
Sorry for the rather feminist ranting ...
But I'm proud myself and my other 2 mothers colleagues ... we fought for our rights although the outcome may not as we wanted.
This journey is just starting, I'll be back ... fighting for our rights.
One thing I discovered .... how courageous mothers can be for their children ... my respect to all mothers.
