Have you ever wondered how unpaid labour shapes our economy or why childcare subsidies are crucial for boosting birth rates and female workforce participation? In this groundbreaking episode of the "Work It Like a Mum" podcast, we sit down with economist Irmeen Khan, who challenges the status quo of traditional economic models that have largely been shaped without women’s perspectives. Irmeen discusses her dynamic career journey, from the Canadian civil service to influential economic consultancy in the UK, emphasising why we need more women's voices to shape our economic policies.

Listen now to learn:

1. Irmeen’s Path to Economics: Trace Irmeen's journey from a high school career test to becoming an influential figure in economic consultancy and her critical views on the gender biases ingrained in economic theories.
2. Rethinking Economic Models: Irmeen argues that traditional economic models, devised predominantly by men, fail to account for unpaid labour largely undertaken by women, impacting both policy and societal norms.
3. Childcare’s Economic Impact: Explore the significant economic potential of progressive childcare policies and how they can revolutionise women's participation in the workforce.
4. Cultural Differences and Career Changes: Gain insights into the cultural differences between Canadian and UK workplaces that shaped Irmeen’s professional life and led her to roles with profound societal impacts.
5. Empowering Women in STEM and Economics: Learn about the pressing need to encourage more young women to enter STEM fields, particularly economics, to ensure policies are diverse and representative.

Featured Quote:
“If women had been involved in the founding of economics, no labour model would ever split time between paid work and leisure so simplistically." - Irmeen Khan.

Curious about how economic policies could better support and represent women? Dive deeper into Irmeen Khan's innovative economic perspectives and join us in advocating for more inclusive and effective economic frameworks.

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Connect with Us:

• Host: Elizabeth Willits on LinkedIn
• Guest: Irmeen Khan on LinkedIn
• Investing in Women Flexible Working Job Board: Website |

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