Women Are Still Justifying Their Right to Exist at Work

Why women need spaces of their own, the reality of the motherhood tax, and how Breaker Collective is building community first.

Women Are Still Justifying Their Right to Exist at Work

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Episode Summary:

Women don’t need permission to create spaces for themselves—but they’re still expected to ask for it.

When Caroline D’Anna Horne first mentioned creating a coworking space for women, she wasn’t met with curiosity—she was met with concern.

“What about the men?” people asked.

“Why can’t they be a part of it?” Some even called it anti-feminist.

Because it ‘seems’ a space designed for women needs justification, while male-dominated spaces are... spaces.

At first, Caroline felt the need to explain.

Now? She knows she doesn’t have to.

In this episode, Bernie and Caroline get into the motherhood tax, the gender pay gap, and the quiet weight of guilt, isolation, and imposter syndrome that women carry every day.

Why do men’s salaries increase after they have kids while women’s careers stall? Why do landlords, investors, and employers still treat working mothers as a liability?

Caroline isn’t waiting for the system to catch up.

She and her co-founder Gemma are building something tangible—a community-first coworking model that works for women.

No corporate diversity panels, no permission-seeking—just women designing the space they need.

If you’re a woman trying to balance ambition with life—or a man wondering why women still have to fight for the basics—this episode is for you.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:02] – Bernie opens the episode and introduces Caroline.

[0:37] – Caroline explains what Breaker Collective is all about.

[1:39] – The moment Caroline hesitated to create a coworking space for women—and why she changed her mind.

[3:10] – Why do so many women feel apologetic about creating something just for them?

[5:11] – The power of community in reducing isolation at every stage of life.

[6:25] – The motherhood tax—how women lose career progress, earnings, and opportunities after having kids.

[8:52] – The fatherhood bonus—men’s salaries increase after having children, while women’s plummet.

[9:54] – Why equal pay is "too complicated"—but getting to Mars isn’t.

[11:06] – The emotional and financial impact of the gender pay gap.

[12:16] – Women leaders fighting for change—from Pregnant Then Screwed to Anna Whitehouse.

[13:12] – What 125+ women told Breaker Collective about their biggest struggles.

[17:16] – Three words that come up repeatedly: Loneliness, guilt, and confidence.

[22:35] – Why do women feel guilty about taking time for themselves—even for a haircut?

[26:22] – The long-lasting impact of cultural expectations on women’s roles.

[29:21] – How COVID pushed women back decades in workplace equality.

[31:00] – Who does the school always call first? (Hint: It’s not Dad.)

[32:22] – The confidence gap: 75% of female executives experience imposter syndrome.

[33:39] – Caroline’s career before kids—working across East Africa and South Sudan.

[35:30] – Being paid 75% less than a male colleague with the same CV.

[38:37] – How Breaker Collective is building community BEFORE securing a space.

[41:17] – Why coworking spaces don’t need buildings to start making an impact.

[43:31] – Where to find Breaker Collective and get involved.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Why Women Need Their Own Spaces
Caroline shares her initial hesitation about launching a women-focused coworking space—and why she no longer apologises for it.

She explains how Breaker Collective creates a space where women can thrive, connect, and focus without justifying themselves.

The Motherhood Tax vs. The Fatherhood Bonus
Women’s careers stall after having children, while men’s salaries increase.

Caroline breaks down the numbers and highlights how workplace structures still reward fathers and penalise mothers.

The Realities of Equal Pay—and Why It’s Still “Too Complicated”
Governments and businesses claim fixing the gender pay gap is difficult—yet the same companies can launch billion-dollar rockets and solve instant payments across the internet.

Loneliness, Guilt, and Confidence: The Three Challenges Women Face Most
Breaker Collective surveyed 125+ women and heard the same struggles over and over:

Loneliness—Whether you’re a new mum, a working parent, or childless, many women feel isolated in different stages of life.
Guilt—From taking time for self-care to prioritising work, women are conditioned to justify every decision.
Confidence—Imposter syndrome is rampant among highly qualified, successful women.

Building a Coworking Community Before Securing a Space
While searching for the right physical location, Breaker Collective has hosted events, supported women, and proved demand.

Caroline explains why community always comes first—then the building.

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Written by

Bernie J Mitchell