Mum and leadership. Can it work with each other?

Here was the front page header of DagensNyheter (Swedish morning paper - 17/04/2008): "Axen Olin could not carry on any longer" (my own translation :). She has been the vice mayor of Stockholm (Capital of Sweden if you could not recall it ; ). And last Wednesday she threw in the towel, not having the energy to go on with her charges, which count being a single mother with three children AND the finance vice-mayor of the largest Swedish city. It worked fine to work over when married but as a single mum, it was not compatible, she said.

This is a typical example of current issues related to women, leadership and expectations. One could suppose that when reaching upper echelon, it is easier to delegate (well, you HAVE TO!) professionally as well as privately. Here the case shows clearly that this is not the case. Sweden is promoting equal opportunities among genders, have almost 50/50 ratio at the parliament when it comes to gender... BUT STILL. When it comes to family matters, females are expecting to rule it all and of course perfectly. Well yes, this is not just my own expectations, but also the ones of a society which does not change its mentality. Tough decision indeed to leave one's career to take care of own children and home. I wish I could fix it all as well. I love spending time with my children, going on outings with their school groups, bringing them to their extra-scholar activities. Still, this is not making me feeling fulfilled. I need the balance of a demanding job, responsibilities and getting this extra-kick showing that I can manage outside the family circle.

But still, what is done for achieving this? Going to interviews, I hear almost all the time the words "global, travel, children, family, career" and the expectations are to make it all work (and well!). I do like to travel, but I believe having given enough of my time until now for having some requirements on this matter. Similar when it comes to career, OF COURSE no one should be stopped or limited in one's career due to the family situation. This is the politically correct speech all companies are serving on a golden plate on both interviews, meetings, websites... well PR! I see it as (maybe) a will to serve better the second half of the population and getting them a little push to higher echelons, but still the expectations are to fix it perfectly on both plans: private and professional. What are the means given for this? All female leaders interviewed on large companies websites see their companies sooooo family oriented and dedicated to female development. Still, what I see (and maybe other have also noticed...) those leaders do have top-managerial positions though mainly in HR, Education... well rarely in operating and deciding organs like sales or as CEO positions (PS: I notice several female CFO lately...just one letter and it is almost there : )).

So my question, because there is always a question: can a mum be a leader? Is it working to have responsibilities both at home (the logical and expected ones) and at work (less logical if you look at the lack of females at upper echelons!)? Or is it unfortunately deemed to fail for a female as soon as children are coming?...

I'll give more of my thoughts later on and let you think about it in the meanwhile... : )