To be genuinely surprised by low figures on women and employment

[windygallows]

Recently had to search out some ONS stats on women and employment and was really surprised by the figures. The most recent stats (2013) show that 33% of women age 16-64 are not in employment. Can that honestly be the case?? 1/3 of adult women not in the labour market??

Apparently (as of 2013) 28% of women are in part-time employment and 39% in full time employment- which means 67% of women are employed, but that's not a massively huge jump from 1971 when the figure was 53%.

Honestly thought it would be more and despite all the hoohah in the 70s/80s/90s and women moving into the workforce, I don't think the shift from 53% to 67% is that significant.

Plus do only 40% of women work FT?

Sorry wasn't sure where to post this hence AIBU just was hoping for some discussion/thoughts.

Hi - I'm the OP and so glad to see there is interesting discussion about this. Treaclesoda mentioned that where they are they don't know any mothers that is employed. Where is that?

I think I was partly surprised because about 80% of the women I know, mostly mothers, work and most full time. But I suppose because I work FT most of the people I meet are through/in work. But i do understand issues around juggling and caring responsibilities as I'm a single parent to two.

I think the figures are probably reasonable for the reasons noted above, but it is a bit depressing in that (a) women are performing better academically but still not leading in the workplace and (b) it doesn't bode well for women's finances... and if you look at things like the level of poverty in women over 65 it just makes you wish that more women worked FT to ensure their financial future.

I wish I could work. My parents have no desire to do any childcare. The childminders have said no to me, as I only need after-school, not a whole day. After-school club is full with a lengthy waiting list. Private nurseries only take til age 5.

I'd love to work. I just have no idea how. I didn't know finding childcare could be so hard and such a massive barrier. Without childcare, then... what? Pregnancy is the end of your working life? It's such a trap. People do manage it, and I envy them.