As a busy working mother, just one of the thousands of women who have to juggle family life and work; I was saddened to read the latest bankruptcy statistics.

Disappointingly, the number of women aged between 35 and 54 who are being declared bankrupt (or another type of insolvency) is rising faster than any other age group.  The finger is mainly being pointed at divorce/ break-up and the fact that many have young or school age children.

Having children, who are almost always cared for by their mother,  usually means that they need part time or flexibility work, which are limited in number. Many women are left with little option, but to take less skilled and consequently lower paid jobs such as the  ‘five Cs’ – clerical, catering, cleaning, caring and cashiering. Unfortunately, the brave few who opt to set up their own business instead,  are also becoming victims of  insolvency.

Women have always had to fight in order to overcome challenges, and we will also win this battle in the fullness of time.