Protect the precious- Motherhood-reflecting on the social element of #sustainability

“I wouldn’t advise my daughter to marry or have children until she is completely convinced herself of its overpowering impact on her personally. I educated her in premier league Institutions, and she has always been a high achiever, be it India or abroad. Now I feel it is unfair to her to expect her to ‘change’ so much to be a mum.” One of my friends was telling me, who has been in various leadership positions herself, who has seen and done it all. I have heard stories with similar theme from others as well. The mother in me started reflecting on this important topic, that of motherhood and career ambitions. I think we all agree that it shouldn’t be either or.

I visualised the changing socio- professional landscape in view of women, in terms of her own higher ambitions, societal expectations, medical advanced technologies, gender equality and her natural ability to create of a new life (during limited timespan that conflicts with key career years). Will motherhood become not-so-natural / socially unsustainable? Will it become a norm for women to compromise / avoid motherhood altogether due to the huge toll it takes on their career aspirations? This made me reflect on motherhood, one of the biggest commitments that a woman takes and that stays with her until last her breath.?

I invite you to embark on this extraordinary journey with me, that transcends the physical realm and delves into the emotional and spiritual metamorphosis of a girl. As she transforms from a cared for daughter into a caring mother. Imagine a young woman, filled with dreams, aspirations, and a zest for life. She gets “the” good news of conception. Her body, once solely her own, becomes a vessel of creation and nurturing. She witnesses the marvel of life growing within her. The emotional spectrum broadens, revealing the depth and resilience that lie within her heart. The intricate layer of transformation touches not only the body but also the soul. Beyond the physical and emotional changes, this journey carries a spiritual dimension. ?It is an awakening of the soul, a recognition of a force greater than oneself. She discovers a profound connection to the universe—the interconnectedness of life and the sacred responsibility of nurturing and guiding a new soul on its journey. She willingly endures the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy, navigating the myriad of changes in her body with grace and anticipation. It is in this sacrifice that the foundation of a lifelong bond is laid, a bond that will weather the storms and celebrate the triumphs that life has in store.

The arrival of children marks another pivotal moment in this transformative journey. The girl now assumes the role of a mother, a title that carries immeasurable responsibilities. Sacrifice becomes a language spoken in the quiet moments when she puts her child's needs before her own, recognizing that love is in the little things e.g. seeing her baby stand on its own or her smile. She watches with a mix of pride and trepidation as they explore, offering a helping hand when needed and allowing them the space to stumble and learn. The sacrifice of personal comfort is exchanged for the comfort of a child's laughter and the warmth of their cuddle. She invests in numerous hours in fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity in her children. Her love is a force that heals wounds, empowers dreams, and creates a safe harbour for her children to navigate life's seas. As gardeners of humanity, they nurture seeds of character that bloom into compassionate, resilient, and empathetic individuals. They teach by example of their actions, instilling values that create a moral compass for their children. The patience, wisdom, and guidance they provide shape the very fabric of society.

Through the tumultuous years of childhood and adolescence, a mother becomes a beacon of support. She navigates the challenges of education, career choices, friendships, and teenage angst with patience and understanding. The sacrifices she makes are often silent – the missed social events, the unspoken worries, and the constant adjustments to her own schedule to accommodate the ever-changing needs of her growing children. As her children embark on the journey of parenthood themselves, a mother assumes the role of a wise grandmother. The wrinkles on her face tell stories of laughter, tears, and resilience. She becomes a living repository of history, a wellspring of knowledge and advice. The elderly woman stands as a testament to the strength and endurance of womanhood. Her legacy echoes through the generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world. She offers insights, shares stories about life experiences, and revels in the joy of witnessing the next generation bloom. The circle of care and guidance continues, and the legacy of a mother's love echoes through the generations.

Whilst going through all these changes personally, she becomes a true virtuoso, mastering the art of balance with grace and resilience professionally. She redefines what it means to be a mother and a professional, proving that these roles are not mutually exclusive. The narrative shifts from limitations to possibilities, from sacrifices to shared successes. ?

As we applaud these remarkable working women, let us also recognize the importance of support systems, workplace flexibility, and societal understanding in facilitating this delicate dance. Let us champion workplaces that foster diversity, inclusivity, and support for working mothers, acknowledging that their contributions enrich our professional landscape and inspire future generations to aspire for both professional success and the joys of motherhood. Few organisations are already leading the way, however, there is a need to normalise this across all levels of professional hierarchy and all sectors, so that we do not keep wondering where all these, once topper and meritorious women, creators have become lost.

To all the working moms, may your symphony continue to inspire and resonate, proving that the pursuit of professional success and the joys of motherhood can indeed harmonize beautifully. We should always be proud of our motherhood ability and intuition. Let’s continue to make this world a better place through our empathy. Be a resilient and agile guide for our current and future generations on “how to harmonise work and life”.

Let’s all be together in this!