How the Maternal Wall Blocks Mothers from Advancement

Women at Work: Career, Leadership & Modern Work · Aug 1, 2026 · 7m

On this episode of Women at Work with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive into the maternal wall — the bias that mothers face at work that experts say is distinct from the motherhood penalty. They explore the research that shows mothers are seen as less competent and less committed, and they discuss the 2019 study that found mothers are held to higher standards and given fewer opportunities. They also talk about the real-world impact of the maternal wall, from stalled promotions to being pushed out of leadership tracks. Through conversation, they unpack the subtle ways this bias shows up, like the…