“I knew I could embrace my motherhood along with my career and its all worth it”

Career banaun ya ghar basaun? That’s what working moms have on their minds as society is there to judge. The age-old controversy encircling the choice between motherhood and a successful career continues to echo in our society. Countless women are forced to steer a challenging dilemma, torn between their desire to be devoted mothers and their aspirations for professional fulfillment. Whenever a woman gives birth to a child, the first question the society arises is: “Ab job toh nai karogi na?” It is high time we recognize that women should not be subjected to such an unfair choice. Society must seek to create an environment where women can seamlessly pursue both motherhood and their careers, free from unnecessary sacrifices. Traditional gender roles have long eternalized the concept that women must prioritize motherhood above all else, often at the cost of their careers. Yes, children and family are important. However, societal expectations should not restrict women to limited options. We must always take the example of Hazrat Khadija as she was a businesswoman and a mother. So a woman can be an achi maa aur aik achi employee at the same time. We must challenge these norms and create a more inclusive society that celebrates women’s choices to balance both motherhood and a fulfilling career. From watching Gilmore Girls to Ginny & Georgia, we have seen the West encouraging women to work and raise their kids. However, in desi households, many problems arise as khana kon banayega agar job tum karogi as all the men of the family weren’t taught to even hold their own glass of water. That’s why to alleviate the burden on women, it is imperative to encourage shared responsibilities within families. Promoting gender equality within households ensures that parenting duties are not solely shouldered by mothers. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, women can pursue their careers without compromising their role as mothers. Furthermore, companies and government play a crucial role in facilitating a balanced integration of motherhood and career. Implementing family-friendly policies such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and on-site childcare can significantly alleviate the burden faced by working mothers. Government should implement affordable and accessible childcare options, promote pay equity, and strengthen maternity and paternity leave policies as these are critical steps toward creating a society that values both motherhood and career aspirations. Addressing the motherhood-career dilemma requires a collective effort to dismantle the deeply ingrained “biases and stereotypes” that hinder women’s progress. Empowering women through education, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities can shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for a more equitable future. The false dichotomy between motherhood and career must be eradicated. Women should not be forced to make an impossible choice but should be encouraged and supported in embracing both their role as mothers and their professional ambitions. Priyanka Chopra once said: “I can be a mother and a CEO” and that’s true. We can create a society where motherhood and career go hand in hand, empowering women to thrive in all aspects of their lives, by fostering an environment that values and respects the aspirations of women. Picture source: Pinterest