But you can work and have kids. The problem is the expectation of being on track for (or offered back after years of hiatus) a top career while taking years off

But you can work and have kids. The problem is the expectation of being on track for (or offered back after years of hiatus) a top career while taking years off to raise childen is unrealistic. Especially when there are other women (or people actually) looking for the same professionnal success while minimizing the impact of bearing (the only exclusively female element in this matter, note) and raising children on their careers as much as possible. All I meant is of course you will be penalized for taking years off when some people (even of the same sex and with the same supposed disadvantages) don't.