Sonya Lennon on why you’re not failing as a mum. The system is.

Sonya Lennon on why you’re not failing as a mum. The system is.

From IMAGE The Motherload by Image Media

February 3, 2026 · 1h 4m

About this episode

Sonya Lennon discusses the systemic issues affecting mothers and families in Ireland, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and systemic change.

In this episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique McMullan is joined by Sonya Lennon for a conversation about what it really takes to create change for women and families in Ireland. Together, they explore why issues like the childcare crisis and the gender pay gap cannot be solved by asking women to cope better, but by redesigning the systems that created the problems in the first place. As Sonya puts it, “We spend so much time reacting to the damage downstream. Real change comes when we throw the pebble further upstream.” From workplace equity and flexible working to leadership, money and the invisible mental load carried by mothers, this episode invites listeners to look beyond individual struggle and towards collective responsibility. It’s a potent reminder that change is possible… when we ask better questions and build better systems. IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Revive Active, Avoca and Aptamil Advanced  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Dominique McMullan

Guest: Sonya Lennon

Topics covered

  • childcare crisis
  • gender pay gap
  • workplace equity
  • flexible working
  • leadership
  • mental load

Keywords

  • change
  • women
  • families
  • Ireland

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Aptamil Advanced, Peugeot, Liffey Valley, Revive Active, Avoca

Places: Ireland

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