The girls want it too

Over the years, “family or career” has become “family and career.” But…

Women live in a time full of contradictions. On the one hand, our predecessors fought for rights that, years ago, they could only have dreamed of. On the other hand, due to politics and historical events, emancipation has remained unfinished, and women in the modern era still face a range of old and new challenges. Especially when they want to start a family.

The second shift, the motherhood penalty, the pay gap… these are the real challenges women face today when they decide they want from life what is offered to men without any negative consequences. Is there anything that can be done about it?

This book will show you the current situation, provide inspiration, and offer a helping hand in balancing a career and parenthood. But don’t expect a one-size-fits-all guide. Such a thing doesn’t exist.

So what can you expect from this book?

The historical context of the development of women's issues and motherhood in our country, surveys and studies that will help you get a picture of our situation, inspiration from places where things already work differently, the experiences of many parents in various life situations, insight into the stereotypes that influence our thinking, and experience-proven practical tips on individual aspects of finding balance.

Let's support and inspire each other. We don't want our daughters to be dealing with the same problems in 20 years that we face today.

“This book is a powerful yet sensitive voice of a woman who has turned her personal experiences into a constructive call for social change. The author succeeds in engagingly connecting historical contexts with the current challenges that women in the Czech Republic face. I believe this text will contribute to greater equality and justice in a society where every woman will have a real choice.”

– Klára Laurenčíková Šimáčková, Government Commissioner for Human Rights

“Honest, human, full of stories. A book that will give you courage when combining motherhood & business seems like science fiction.”

– Tereza Salte, entrepreneur, influencer

“As a mum, a ‘career woman,’ and someone who has been building equal opportunities for women in technology for 15 years, this book got me fired up again. It doesn’t just say what isn’t working. It tells specific stories and brings inspiration on how to balance and normalise work and care – for those who have systemic influence, and for those who have the greatest influence: us, the parents ourselves.”

– Dita Formánková, founder of Czechitas, expert in digital and lifelong learning

“Women simply have it harder in many respects, and Aneta knows that all too well. It’s great that she’s trying to change things, even though it sometimes provokes very unpleasant reactions (as I’ve seen for myself). It would be for the good of us all. And I’ll selfishly add, especially for the good of my daughter.”

– Čestmír Strakatý, podcaster and journalist

“The topic of balancing family and professional life isn’t just a trend; it's an issue that absolutely all of us have to deal with in our lives. We might feel that everyone else is doing well, and it's just us who either can't keep up or have to lower our standards and expectations. In her book, Aneta Martinek, through numerous interviews, shared life experiences, historical parallels, and foreign examples, shows that the paths and strategies can be truly diverse. She offers a number of examples, specific tips, and inspiration that can accompany us in our search for balance.”

– Šárka Homfray, trade union lawyer and publicist