A woman is said to be complete if she becomes a mother. Having a child itself has a lot of repercussions, for instance, postpartum depression. There is little to no awareness of postpartum depression in Indian society, which makes it tough for women to navigate through motherhood and if she has a career along with being a mother, going gets even tougher. Balancing motherhood and a career is a difficult thing to do, which most women face on a daily basis, trying to keep up with the demands of both spheres. There are many workplace challenges that women face, just for being one and these challenges increase manyfold if she is a mother, to give an example workplace bias, unequal pay, and most importantly the pressure to excel in both professional and parenting roles. Striking a balance between the professional career in the office and the parenting role at home is very important to ensure the well-being of the mothers in particular and their families in general.
The Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and Career
Working mothers are often burdened by the expectations of society to constantly do well at home as well as at their jobs. Since they constantly struggle to perform in order to meet the demands of both work and family life, and when they fail even at a single task by any chance, it can lead to feelings of guilt, stress, and anxiety, impacting their mental and emotional well-being. Statistics reveal that working mothers often face disparities in pay and opportunities, when compared to their other male and female counterparts as well, highlighting the systemic challenges they confront daily.
Strategies for Balancing Work and Family Life
It is really essential for working mothers to manage their time effectively and organize their chores efficiently in such a manner that they can have maximum utilization of their time and meet their responsibilities without much trouble. In order to allocate their time and energy efficiently, working mothers have to set up clear boundaries and priorities. Instead of suffering in silence, having an honest and open conversation about seeking support from family, friends, and employers will significantly reduce the challenges of balancing work and family life.
Flexible Work Arrangements and Maternity Leave Policies
In today's world, especially in the post-pandemic world, flexible work arrangements, work from home, etc., have become popular. These flexible arrangements allows a working mother, the freedom to cater to the needs of her family and accordingly complete her office work at any time of the day she is free, which in turn helps her to strike a balance between work and life. In India, the government has passed a law called "The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 " Which requires the employer to give paid leave for at least 26 weeks to the pregnant woman for her first 2 pregnancies. This maternity leave is divided into 8 weeks before the pregnancy and 18 weeks after the pregnancy.
These maternity leave policies play a very important role in supporting new mothers during a crucial phase, ensuring they can bond with their children without career repercussions. There are many companies, that have devised policies that are family-friendly and also serve as examples for organizations that can support and empower working mothers.
Career Advancement and Growth Opportunities
A working mother needs a high level of motivation, determination, and the right support in order to get through the challenges of balancing motherhood and career. In today's social media world, there are many examples of working mothers who have not only seen growth in their careers but have reached the top along with raising children, showing the potential of mothers to excel in their careers. In the constantly ever-changing world of technology, working women need to invest in upgrading their skills as well as acquiring new skills, which will help them pursue professional development opportunities and empower them to progress in their careers.
The Importance of Self-Care
Women in India see SELF-CARE as a luxury, but in reality, it is a necessity, especially for working mothers to relieve their stress both mental and physical, and also to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Working mothers need to take time to do anything of their personal interest that will relax them, may it be reading, meditating, shopping, going out for a movie, having a get-together with old friends, or spending time in a parlor, which will take off their mind from the regular rush of daily life. These little detours can help working mothers manage stress efficiently.
Mothers need to get out of the feeling of guilt when they do something for themselves. Working mothers need to realize that emphasizing self-care is a necessity, not selfish, and encourages them to prioritize their health and happiness.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Bias
Working mother faces a lot of stereotypes among which is, that they are considered a burden as the organizations they work in consider them as a burden, and working mothers get less paid in comparison to their other counterparts. Having an awareness and advocacy can help challenge these biases and prejudices in the workplace.
Strategies for overcoming stereotypes include showcasing skills, regularly Upskilling showing accomplishments, and seeking allies who support gender equality. Encouraging women to assert their rights and promote fair treatment is crucial for breaking down barriers in the workplace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving a harmonious balance between motherhood and a career is a multifaceted endeavor, but it's essential for women's overall well-being.
Finding this balance isn't just an individual journey; it's a collective responsibility to create a more equitable and supportive society.
Working mothers should embrace their unique journeys, knowing that they can continue to pursue their goals and strive for success.
At the end, we Invite readers to share their own experiences and tips in the comments section.
Thank you all for your time and engagement.
A Dynamiclady - Dhanu Rai
Contact - dhanu@dynamiclady.in