Barbara Walters: The Real Meaning Behind The Legacy She Left Behind For Women In The Workforce In The 20th Century – And What That Legacy Says To Working Mothers Of Children With Disabilities And Their Employers Now After Her Death

While writing about Lucille Ball as a mother to her two children, Lucie and Desi Arnaz Jr., I couldn’t help but be reminded of another television pioneer, Barbara Walters. Like Ball, she’d gone through fertility struggles. In 1968, after three miscarriages, Walters and second husband Lee Guber adopted their daughter, Jackie. She named her daughter after her sister, who was born developmentally disabled. In her 2008 memoir, Audition, Walters revealed that she did so because she wanted her sister to feel that she had a child too because she knew that, at that point in time, she never would.

Like Ball, Walters was a legend in her prime. To the very end of her career, up until her 2022 death at the age of 93, she was a renowned journalist; an icon and a pioneer to women everywhere. She convinced world leaders, celebrities and controversial figures to bare their souls before audiences of millions. But that success came at a price, just like it did for Ball. That included her (very) complicated relationship with her daughter.

Walters made history in 1976 when she became the first female journalist on ABC News evening program. Three years later, she became a co-host on 20/20. In 1997, she co-created The View. The daytime talk show is still on air, and Walters was a host until 2014. Throughout all of her massive success, Walters called motherhood to be the best thing she ever did. She told so to Dolly Parton in 1997. But despite the joy being motherhood brought her, Walters acknowledged the toll her career took on her marriage.

In a 2014 ABC News special, Her Story, Walters said, ‘I don’t think I was very good at marriage. It may be that my career was just too important. It may have been that I was a difficult person to be married to and I wasn’t willing perhaps to give that much.’ Her career took a toll on her mothering Jackie as well. Walters said, ‘Today, people are more accepting. You can bring your kid to the office. In those days, if I had brought Jackie into the studio, it would be as if I had brought a dog who was not housebroken.’ This especially led to challenges when Jackie became a teenager. In a 2008 ABC News Her Story special Walters said, ‘I didn’t realize how tough it was because she had a mother who was a celebrity. We struggled through schools, and then finally at one point when she was 16, I guess, she ran away. And finally when I found out where she was, I had someone pick her up and take her to an emotional growth school, which is what it was called. She was there for three years.’

Oprah Winfrey, another pioneer and a legend in the game of journalism, as well as a friend of Walters, spoke of Walters’ relationship with her daughter, which she called to be charged and complex in the newest Barbara Walters documentary, Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything. She said, ‘I remember her telling me once that there’s nothing more fulfilling than having children, and you should really think about it. And I was like ‘OK, but I’m looking at you. So no.’ You are a pioneer in your field, and you are trying to break the mold for yourself and the women who follow you, then something’s going to have to give for that. And that is why I did not have children. I knew I could not do both well. Both are sacrifices, sacrifice to do the work, and it’s also a sacrifice to be the mother and to say no, let somebody else have that. And at no time have I ever heard a story, read a story, and based on what I know of Barbara Walters, at no time has Barbara Walters ever said ‘No, let someone else take that story.’

Though Oprah did consider having children at one point, she ultimately decided not to, and that, for her, was the best decision she made in her life. She did, however, get pregnant when she was just 14-years-old. The baby passed away shortly after birth. Reasons for her eventual decision not to have children included the demands of motherhood and the desire to focus on her career and other philanthropic endeavors. She’s stated that she doesn’t regret this decision and has found fulfillment in other roles, including as a mentor and maternal figure to the girls at her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. To break things down more thoroughly:

• Focus on Career: Oprah has spoken extensively about the demands of her career and how it would be difficult to balance motherhood with her professional commitments. 

• Traumatic Childhood: Oprah has also alluded to a challenging childhood and early experiences that influenced her perspective on motherhood. 

• Alternative Form of Motherhood: Instead of biological children, Oprah has embraced her role as a mentor and mother figure to the students at her leadership academy in South Africa, calling it her “greatest legacy”. 

• Personal Choice: Ultimately, Oprah has stated that she doesn’t regret her decision and that it was the right one for her. She has expressed admiration for women who choose to be stay-at-home mothers, but also acknowledges that it wasn’t the path for her. 

We’re talking about women who started their careers in the 70’s and 80’s – during a time it was expected of women to get married, be housewives, and take care of their husbands and children. Both Walters and Oprah went against society’s norm, as did Lucille Ball in the 50’s. All three women challenged traditional gender roles in broadcasting, but in different ways. It was a male-dominated industry they were a part of. With that said, they were constantly being challenged, belittled, discouraged and often ignored. Walters’ career in particular was marked by persistent sexism and resistance from her male colleagues who questioned her abilities. And yet, she was always working. Her father, Lou Walters, was a nightclub owner and theatrical producer. When he lost all his fortune, Barbara stepped in and began working to support her family; but especially her ‘mentally regarded’ sister.

The same year Walters divorced her second husband, Jackie’s father, she was offered her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with ABC, having obtained a $1 million salary. Her male colleagues complained that she was overpaid. After less than two years, the president of the network removed her as coanchor of the nightly news and reassigned her as a correspondent. At the very same time, she was coping with her father’s death. In 2004, she was getting ready to leave her long running home at 20/20. It was during that time period that she sat down with Oprah for an interview to be published by her magazine, O. The interview started off as follows:

Oprah: By the time this interview appears, you’ll be doing your last regular episodes of 20/20. Why are you leaving?

Barbara: I’ve worked all my life, and I’ve never had time to go to a city or country where I haven’t been in the studio. I watched your special [Diane Sawyer devoted an hour of Primetime to Oprah’s work in South Africa] not just with tears but with yearning. I’ve been to China four times—but I’ve never really seen China.

Oprah: Because you were always working.

Barbara: Yes. While I’m still healthy and young enough, I want time to do these things. And I want more time with my daughter before I turn around and say, “Where did that go?”

Oprah: Your daughter, Jackie, is 35. Hasn’t there already been a moment when you turned around and said, “Where did the time go?”

Barbara: Oh, yes. I tried to be with her a lot—but why wasn’t I there more? My new arrangement gives me the opportunity to stay in television, because I’ll still do five specials, and I’ll do 20/20 from time to time.

Oprah: Up until the moment you leave, won’t you feel the sense of competition—of needing the next big “get”?

Barbara: Well, I can’t pretend that I didn’t go after the big interviews. Years ago I traveled to Cairo and threw pebbles against Anwar el-Sadat’s window before the signing of the Camp David peace treaty, hoping he’d come out and do one more interview. I mean, that’s insane. Then I’d get on a plane and do an interview in New Orleans. During the years when I covered the Middle East, I was constantly traveling. Now I don’t have that burning ambition. 

It’s a sad, sad reality. Walters was a woman who seemed to have had everything in her life. But in reality, she missed out on so much. It was almost like she had nothing. Women today are still facing the struggle of having to choose between having a career or a family. It’s a complex issue that has no easy answer. While some women successfully balance both, others feel forced to make a difficult choice due to factors like career demands, lack of support, and societal expectations. There are so many sacrifices to be made; no matter what path the woman chooses for herself – one, the other, or, like Walters back in the 70’s, both.

Many women experience career setbacks or reduced opportunities upon returning from maternity leave, often referred to as the “motherhood penalty”. Balancing the demands of a demanding career with the responsibilities of raising children can be incredibly challenging, requiring significant support from employers, partners, and family. Traditional gender roles often place the primary responsibility for childcare on women, which therefore create additional pressure and limit career advancement. Ultimately, the decision of whether to prioritize career or family is a personal one, and women should be empowered to make choices that align with their individual values and goals. In some cases, women choose not to have children. One of the many reasons for it is the lack of support given by the workforce in the women’s time of need. That lack of support and empathy creates a lot of stress, financial burdens, and a level of self control.

Some companies are starting to offer more flexible work arrangements and support systems to help women manage both career and family responsibilities. But it’s only the beginning. Still, so many women are struggling to juggle their work and family obligations and responsibilities, and because of this, we see so many women leave the workforce – even today. Such issues as work-life balance challenges, lack of support, and workplace culture issues are deemed too much to bear. Burnout, often stemming from stress and feeling underappreciated, is a significant driver. Additionally, issues like unequal pay, lack of career advancement opportunities, and perceived discrimination also contribute to women leaving the workforce. To look at the matter more closely:

1. Work-Life Balance and Caregiving Responsibilities: 

• Women often shoulder a disproportionate share of childcare and household responsibilities, leading to increased stress and difficulty managing both work and family life. 

• Many women feel guilty about not spending enough time with their children and may turn down promotions, overtime, or even leave the workforce altogether to prioritize family. 

• Menopause symptoms can also significantly impact women’s ability to work, with some leaving the workforce due to unmanaged symptoms. 

2. Workplace Culture and Lack of Support: 

• Feeling undervalued, underappreciated, or overlooked at work can lead to dissatisfaction and a desire to leave. 

• Some women experience subtle forms of discrimination or bias, which can affect their job satisfaction and sense of belonging. 

• Lack of psychological safety, where women don’t feel comfortable expressing their opinions or concerns, can also be a contributing factor. 

• A lack of support from leadership and a perception that they are not valued for their contributions can also lead to women leaving. 

3. Career Advancement and Compensation: 

• Unequal pay for the same work as men is a persistent issue that can drive women to seek better opportunities elsewhere. 

• Perceived or actual limitations on career advancement opportunities can also lead to frustration and a desire to find a more equitable workplace. 

• Some women may feel sidelined or undervalued, leading them to believe their career progression is limited within their current organization. 

4. Burnout and Stress: 

• Women are more likely to experience work-related stress and burnout, which can lead to them considering leaving their jobs. 

• This burnout can stem from a combination of factors, including work-life balance challenges, lack of support, and workplace culture issues. 

• Feeling overwhelmed and undervalued can lead to a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction, making it more likely for women to seek alternative employment. 

We now see more and more mothers leave their jobs to take care of their children. And so many of them start their own businesses and side hustles. They take matters into their own hands and work on their own terms; without having to worry about someone in a leadership role above them telling them what to do or how to live. They’re their own leaders. But let it be known that’s it’s not just mothers who are struggling in the workforce. Women in general are struggling in the workforce. A friend of mine, who’s child-free and plans on continuing on that journey, was struggling so much at work with the stress and pressure she was put under that it almost destroyed her health.

Back when Walters first started her career while having a small child at home was an ever-changing moment in time for women; mothers in particular. In the 1970’s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of mothers entering the workforce, particularly among those with young children. This shift was influenced by various factors, like the women’s liberation movement, economic necessity, and changing societal expectations. While more mothers were working, they still faced challenges related to childcare, career advancement, and societal perceptions. To look at the mater more thoroughly:

Increased Participation: 

• Rise in Employment Rates: Statistics Canada data shows a significant increase in the employment rate of mothers with young children compared to the 1970s. For example, the employment rate for mothers with children under 16 rose from 39.1% in 1976 to 72.9% in 2009, according to CBC News. 

• Dual-Earner Families: There was a notable increase in the proportion of couple families with young children where both parents were employed. 

• Single Mothers: In the 1970s, single mothers had higher employment rates than mothers in couples, but this reversed by the 1980s, likely due to increased opportunities for women in married couples, according to Statistique Canada. 

Challenges and Changes: 

• Childcare: Limited access to affordable and reliable childcare was a significant barrier for working mothers, especially those with young children. 

• Societal Expectations: Many mothers faced judgment and criticism for working while their children were young. 

• Career Advancement: Women still faced challenges in career advancement and often earned less than men for similar work. 

• Shifting Mindsets: According to SIS International Research, there was a shift in mindset, with women expecting long, uninterrupted careers and delaying marriage and childbearing. 

Factors Influencing Change: 

• Economic Downturn: The economic challenges of the 1970s, including inflation and rising living costs, pushed more women into the workforce. 

• Feminist Movement: The women’s liberation movement played a role in challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for women’s rights in the workplace. 

• Changing Family Structures: The increase in single-parent families and the rise of dual-income households also contributed to the trend of more mothers working, notes The Vanier Institute of the Family. 

I’d like to put an emphasis on the hardships disabled women face in the workforce. Disabled women face lower employment rates than both the general population and disabled men. The Center for American Progress reports that disabled women’s employment rate in 2023 was 20.5%, which was significantly lower than the general population (60.3%) and disabled men (24.8%). The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected disabled women and mothers. The Women’s Budget Group notes that disabled mothers were three times more likely to have lost work during the pandemic compared to non-disabled mothers, according to the Women’s Budget Group. I myself faced a lot of discrimination and prejudice by the workforce because of by cerebral palsy. That was why I started my own business. I’ve had a lot of success with it. In fact, I’ve gotten work inquiries from some clients more so because I had a disability than my skills and qualifications as a writer. They loved what I stood for, and they wanted to support it. They wanted to be a part of my story.

I’ve been fortunate enough to find other means of doing things in spite of my disability. I can’t imagine being Barbara Walters’ sister, though; being part of a society where living with a disability was considered to be a mental retardation, and living in a world where, if you had any sort of disability, you had no chance at all. It’s hard even now, and I can’t imagine what it was like back then. Back in the 70’s, disabled women faced prejudice and discrimination, limiting their access to education, employment, and social participation. Segregation in institutions and lack of accessible environments restricted their ability to live independently and pursue their goals. Not just women, but people in general. Michael Cain’s brother was living in an institution due to his epilepsy. The dominant “medical model” of disability focused on the impairment rather than the social barriers faced by disabled people, further marginalizing them and reducing their worth in society. Disabled women were often invisible in mainstream media and political discourse, hindering their ability to influence policy and public opinion. I wouldn’t say that disabled women are seen now much in mainstream media; mostly because unless you’re a disabled female writer, you don’t know much about the life of a disabled woman. The experiences of disabled women were further complicated by other factors like race, class, and sexual orientation, creating unique challenges for some of them. 

Positive changes were in order for disabled women in the 70’s. That particular decade saw the rise of the Independent Living Movement, where disabled individuals advocated for the right to live in the community with support services and control over their own lives. In 1977, the Section 504 sit-in protests in San Francisco, led by disabled activists including Judy Heumann, pressured the government to implement regulations protecting the rights of disabled people. Judy Heumann was a prominent disability rights leader who played a key role in the movement, advocating for accessibility, education, and inclusion. 

All that being said, I never had the ‘pleasure’ of being unsupported in the workforce as a disabled mother. Generally speaking, however, disabled mothers encounter discrimination, a lack of understanding from colleagues and employers, and insufficient workplace protection and accommodation. Therefore, disabled mothers may face financial hardships due to lower earnings and increased expenses associated with them. The Women’s Budget Group notes that disabled mothers were three times more likely to have lost work during the pandemic compared to non-disabled mothers, according to the Women’s Budget Group. 

Let’s talk about mothers of disabled children for a second, because I truly believe that they’re the real superheroes. Call it a subtle shoutout to my mom if you’d like to look at it from that perspective. The amount of work and effort to take care of a disabled child is indescribable. I’m not even talking about the financial burden it can cause to a family. That in itself is hard. The stress of balancing work (and life in general) and caregiving responsibilities can negatively affect the mental health of mothers of disabled kids. The demands of caring for a child with a disability can significantly impact a mother’s ability to work, especially if she faces challenges with finding suitable childcare or workplace flexibility. 

My own mom had to make a lot of sacrifices in her career to take care of me. She was a teacher in her younger years; and a damn good one at that. When she moved to Israel with my dad, she signed up for classes to become a teacher there. I was a newborn at the time. It was hard, but she managed to do it all. She was excited as she pretty much had her whole life planned out. Teaching wasn’t just a job for her. It was her passion. All this had to be put on a back burner once I was officially diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 7 months old. She had no help, and therefore had to leave her dreams of continuing her ever becoming a teacher. She took matters into her own hands and made taking care of me and raising me became her new life’s mission. I became her project. More than anything, she wanted me to become more than what society thinks of people like me; and she certainly achieved that.

But she was never a stay-at-home-mom. She was always working. My whole life, I’ve witnessed my mom work full-time and take care of me. When I was 3, I witnessed her work, win a battle with cancer, and still work full-time. To me, she was a badass.Why did she work, you ask? Well, firstly it was because she had to as life was f*cking expensive, and two, she wanted to have a life outside of taking care of me. She wanted to have a life and responsibilities outside of being a mother and everything involved taking care of a disabled child. I loved seeing that about her. I loved that her entire identity wasn’t just about being my mother. I loved seeing that she had other interests; other things to take care of. I loved seeing that she had a whole life outside of being a mother. I loved seeing that she had hobbies; that she had friends; that she could have fun.

Though she didn’t end up working as a teacher in her career, my mom worked in another profession. It wasn’t anything that she aspired to be, but it was a profession that paid her bills and kept her sane. And her work was very much accommodating to her needs as a working mom of a disabled child. For instance, instead of having her workday start at 9 in the morning she had her workday begin at 7; sometimes 6, even 5 in the morning. It depended on exactly what she had going on on a particular day with me. She continued working at her most accommodating workplace well after we moved to Canada as a family. She knew the lifestyle of remote work before it even became a thing post-Covid.

Luck really was a factor and a blessing for my mom when it came to the workforce. I know that a lot of women don’t get that luck when it all comes down to work-life balance, especially when taking care of a child with a disability. Creating a more inclusive workplace culture that is understanding and supportive of parents of children with disabilities is crucial. More employers and leaders need to consider showing more empathy and compassion to women; to mothers. Offering access to childcare, respite care, and other means of support services can help alleviate some of the challenges faced by the mothers who are struggling with challenges that see them facing challenges of having to deal with not being good enough at work, as well as at home. Open communication between employers and employees about the needs and challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities can foster a more supportive and understanding environment. This could also be said about mothers of able-bodied children as well. After all, they need care too; but even more so, disabled children. Children with disabilities often require more frequent medical appointments, therapy sessions, and specialized care, which can significantly impact a mother’s ability to maintain a consistent work schedule. Advocating for policies that support working parents of children with disabilities, such as paid family leave and accessible childcare, can make a significant difference. 

Barbara Walters had a sister who couldn’t attend regular school, have friends, get a job, or marry. It became Barbara’s responsibility to care for her. She became her sister’s mother-figure and everything that a mother stood for. This was a motivating factor for her to become the legend that she ended up becoming. In interviews, Walters stated that her sister’s condition and the responsibility she felt for her were major factors in her career choices. She felt the need to provide for her family and ensure Jacqueline’s well-being. Despite all the hardships she faced at the mere fact that she’d made so many sacrifices in her own personal life for her sister, Walters always expressed that the love was stronger than any resentment, according to a passage from her memoir. As mentioned previously, she even named her daughter Jacqueline after her sister. The legendary journalist also noted that her sister taught her compassion and understanding, which later influenced her interviewing style. 

When we speak of Barbara Walters and motherhood, and how they’re intertwined, we think of her being a mother to her daughter, Jackie. What the world failed to realize, however, was that first and foremost, she was always a mother to her sister, Jackie, and everything she did in her life and career had to do with her. All the sacrifices she made in her life, even the ones that were at the expense of her own daughter, were for her sister and her well-being. What does she stand for? She stands for women facing the difficulty of having to choose between a career and a life at home. No, not kids. But having a life, a good life at home. She wanted to have a work-life balance, but her work didn’t provide her the support she needed to take care of her family other than in the financial means. She needed the financial stability to take care of not only her family, but her disabled sister. In a world that wasn’t supportive, she didn’t have a choice, and that’s the biggest problem. She herself frequently discussed the challenges and importance of women supporting each other in the workplace, particularly in male-dominated fields. She highlighted the initial competitive atmosphere among women, where they were often pitted against each other, but also emphasized the need for solidarity and mutual support to create lasting change. To look at this in a more specific context:

• Overcoming the “one or two” mentality: Walters acknowledged the early days of her career, where the message was often that there was only room for a limited number of women in prominent positions, discouraging collaboration and support among them. 

• The power of mentorship and solidarity: She paved the way for other women in journalism, and in her later years, she encouraged younger female journalists, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and mutual support. 

• Breaking down barriers and creating opportunities: Walters’ own career trajectory, marked by overcoming sexism and pushing for equal opportunities, served as an inspiration for other women. She championed women’s voices through programs like The View which she created, and her interviews, which often focused on women’s experiences. 

• Advocating for a more equitable workplace: She used her platform to advocate for women’s rights and to challenge the status quo in newsrooms and beyond, pushing for greater representation and respect for women in the workplace. 

Barbara Walters was a bada$$ of a woman. She worked like hell, and she opened a lot of doors to women in the workforce. The result – a better work environment for women. But we still, even after she’s passed away, have such a long way to go. In her 1972 bestseller, How to Talk to Practically Anybody about Practically Anything, she wrote, ‘I devoured it from cover to cover, eager to learn the secrets of getting people to open up — especially if you’re “only a girl.”’ She began her career when it was tough to be a woman in the business of television news. She worked VERY hard to get to where she got. Walters paved the way for girls and women everywhere, especially mothers, in the 70’s. She had a vision; a vision. And it was all for her sister.