The topic of paid family leave was discussed earlier in the week at an event titled A Glamorous Centennial Dinner. Glamour’s second collaboration with the Hamilton Hotel in Washington, DC. Samantha Barry hosts the event. Glamour’s editorial director of the Americas, and in conversation with Christy Turlington Burns, founder and president of Every Mother Counts, the event highlighted the often traumatic and secretive postpartum experiences for mothers.
“Glamour’s tagline in the ’40s was, ‘For the girl with a job,’” said Barry. “Today, for many American women, one of the toughest jobs they will take on is new motherhood—yes, because new motherhood is hard, full stop, but also because there is almost no support for working women and families from the very day a child is born.”
September Glamour Highlighted the postpartum journeys of eight women. Each woman shared a unique story, as well as a similar one, through voice memos, texts, interviews and photos. America, one of the richest countries in the world, doesn’t do enough for its mothers. Only 25% of employees are entitled to paid family leave. This means that they return to work in less than one month after giving birth.
Giving Birth in AmericaTurlington Burns created a short documentary in 2015 called “The Relationship Between Pregnant Women and Health Care Providers.” It examines America’s high maternal mortality rates, particularly in Black women.
“In so many different areas, parental leave—paid leave—is not available to many women,” Turlington Burns said. “We are actually one of the countries falling behind, so when we look at how to improve child outcomes, we look at all factors. Paid leave is a part of those factors.”
Barry ended the night by delivering a thoughtful statement to guests. “This conversation has to leave this room for real change, and it’s possible with you all,” Barry said.
More than 100 guests were present to support and engage with the DC leaders and paid-leave advocates, Dawn Huckelbridge, Ashley Biden and Tarana Burk. See who else was there.
