Women at work: Balancing motherhood, career, and expectations

The role of a woman is multidimensional. People expect a woman to be a loving mother, a faithful wife, a good worker, and a skilled housekeeper—all at once. To meet these expectations, women often sacrifice their well-being.

Societal pressure to be 'perfect' in every role is a tall order, yet the strength they show in managing everything is often overlooked.

In addition to work reports and deadlines, a mother may worry about the groceries she needs to buy or her child's upcoming assignment. There is no "clocking out" from these duties, and the constant strain eventually harms her physical and emotional well-being, often leading to burnout, anxiety, and stress-related illnesses.

At work, the challenges are even more. Despite flexible policies, working mothers actually receive little support. Some businesses hesitate to hire women, fearing they may need flexible hours or maternity leave. In turn, it discourages women from seeking promotions or returning to work after having a child.

Studies show that this lack of support often makes women feel pressured to prove their dedication by working extra hours, skipping vacations, and staying late to "make up" for times when they had to leave early for family duties. This not only slows their career growth but also limits their financial independence and ability to contribute to the economy.

Comprehensive policies on maternity leave, flexible work schedules, and mental health support are essential to create a more supportive and productive workplace for women.

However, the emotional toll extends beyond work. Managing the household budget, keeping things in order, and leaving kids at home while working all take a heavy toll on mental health. 

Studies show that women, particularly working mothers, face higher levels of anxiety and stress compared to men. This isn't surprising. When society views tasks like babysitting, cleaning, and cooking as "women's work," there is little opportunity for acknowledgement or appreciation.

Family relationships may also be strained by these emotional loads since ongoing stress can degrade the quality of time spent with loved ones, perhaps resulting in friction rather than connection. Women feel like they're always falling short because of this loop of irrational expectations, which provides negative norms that demand perfection in all roles. 

If these burdens are not addressed, they can lead to burnout and, in the worst cases, serious mental health issues. Society must recognise and value the emotional labour women carry every day and move towards a more equitable distribution of responsibilities within families and communities.

We need to consider how to make this delicate balancing act easier to handle. The solution lies in significant social change and women's tenacity. Employers must develop family-friendly policies that encourage flexibility without sacrificing productivity. 

Changes that can significantly affect women's lives include paid maternity leave, reasonably priced childcare, mental health services, and tax breaks for businesses that provide flexible work schedules.

Men should equally share responsibilities at home, including childcare and household duties. Changing societal norms is essential for families to recognise that these tasks are not solely women's responsibility.

To drive change, companies, legislators, and families must work together to challenge outdated customs. True progress comes when shared responsibilities, equality, and respect are normalised at home and in the workplace.

Beyond International Women's Day festivities or grandiose speeches, acknowledging and promoting women's contributions necessitates a persistent dedication to structural changes that uplift and empower women in all spheres of their lives. 

Imagine women being free to follow their goals without having to worry about unattainable standards—a time when all of their roles are equally respected. This is a plea for all of us to support the change and ensure a more equal future for everyone, not just businesses or legislators.

In the end, the transformation we want will help communities, not just women. The entire society advances when women are empowered and supported because they have the fortitude, resiliency, and vitality to contribute more.