Her Brain on Digital

The pursuit
of self.

When women were asked
to select important
lifegoals, “having
my first child” was 16th
out of the 20 options
provided.

Yet, women have been
sold a specific brand of
motherhood
by the media
before they have had the
chance to decide

whether motherhood is
going to be part of their
future, or
what it
would look like for
them.

Motherhood
is still an

unfair
assumption
placed
on
women.

nearly

1/2

OF WOMEN
FIND IT

problematic that they

THEY ARE SPOKEN TO AS IF

motherhood is an
inevitable

"WHEN" NOT AN "IF"...

77% of women do not like the
pressures that are put on them to
have children.

2 in 5 of women want to see the
media
stop talking to all women
as if
motherhood is a given.

Over a third of women

ARE UNSURE HOW A BABY

would fit into their lives

The media
only shows

women
unattractive
versions of
motherhood

that are
extremes.

more than

1/2

OF WOMEN
FEEL THAT

"the media"

AND "ADVERTISING" GETS

it wrong often

OR ALL THE TIME

“The media either
gives you the shit
storm mom or the
perfect house wife
that stays home
and does all the

cooking & cleaning.
There is never
any
in between.”

—HB RESPONDENT,
DALLAS, 29

2 in 5 women find it problematic that
moms are portrayed as either in a
state of disarray, or perfectly put
together.

Nearly half of women said that they
wish
there were more images of
women who are
just normal moms –
not falling apart
or perfect.

over a third of women

AGREE THAT IT’S PROBLEMATIC
THAT MOMS ARE PORTRAYED AS

martyrs
who should sacrifice

EVERYTHING FOR THEIR FAMILIES

Stereotypes
showcased in
society
encourage

perceptions and
judgement
amongst and
against
other
women.

8 times in the last month

IS HOW OFTEN WOMEN HAVE FELT

judged on a major life decision*

8 times

IN THE LAST MONTH IS HOW OFTEN

women have felt

JUDGED ON A

*THAT’S ABOUT TWICE A WEEK

major life decision*

*THAT’S ABOUT TWICE A WEEK

Two-thirds of moms agree
that keeping their own activities and
interests during motherhood
is selfish.

60% of women believe that women
need to try to be perfect mothers,
and that to do so, one needs to
be a martyr.

Nearly 60% of childfree women
say
that women are seen as
selfish if
they put their career
above
all else.

1 in 2 childfree women say that

women are seen as selfish if
they
prioritize anything over
being
a mom.

60% of women believe that women
need to try to be perfect mothers,
and that to do so, one needs to
a martyr.

Two-thirds of moms agree
that keeping their own activities and
interests during motherhood
is selfish.

Nearly 60% of childfree women
say
that women are seen as
selfish if
they put their career
above
all else.

1 in 2 childfree women say that

women are seen as selfish if
they
prioritize anything over
being a mom.

pie stats “I am the one who decides what is
important and
where I will focus
my time, energy,
and talents. This is
not selfish. I
believe this with
every
cell in my body.”

—HB RESPONDENT,
CHICAGO, 22

‘Having it all’
is unattainable
and outdated;
women want

to define their
own versions

of designing
their life.

77% OF WOMEN

FEEL LIKE OTHER PEOPLE

'have it all'

MORE THAN THEY DO

89% of women agree ‘having it
all’
changes day to day.

Over half of women don’t
even
like the idea of ‘having
it all’.

95% of women agree

it shouldn't be
about being perfect

it’s about appreciating

moments that work for you

It's not about
having it
all, it's about
her all.

An evolving,
universal
concept.

The portrayal of women in
media should address the
complexity of each of her
individualities, so she can
see a little bit of herself in
these representations,
and
feel confident in owning
who she wants to be –
whether that’s a mom (or
not) and the type of mom
that she would like to be.

#R29HERBRAIN