Becoming a mother is the most wonderful gift I've ever experienced, I often describe it as a new type of love that I didn't know existed. Sadly, for many women the pleasure of motherhood is overshadowed by the uncertainty around their career growth.
There are numerous instances that confirm motherhood adversely affects women’s prospects of professional advancements as opportunities are hard to come by. Despite living in progressive times, even today women face biases when embracing motherhood - they are required to choose between career progress and becoming mothers. While it is projected as a choice, women should not need to make this difficult choice. Why can’t both motherhood and a fruitful career coexist?
Motherhood should not be a ‘penalty’
Motherhood should not be a ‘penalty’ that affects the professional progress of women or prevents them from climbing up the career ladder. There is an urgent need to provide working mothers with opportunities to develop professionally and raise a family simultaneously - an idea that is still not fully endorsed in many societies. I am fortunate to work for a company where we have been able to #BreakTheBias.
When I shared the news of my pregnancy at my company, I received a lot of support and was encouraged to take the time I needed. I was told ‘the days are long but the years are short’. I was advised to disconnect and focus on the family. Those supportive words “don't worry about work while you're out, we’ve got it. Enjoy the time with your family and all the little moments, family comes first’ still ring clearly in my ears. I am thankful for the understanding when I needed it the most.
After several months when I returned to my workplace, I was greeted with the same excitement and support. Despite being away from work for several months, my company recognized and rewarded my efforts and contributions. At Arkose Labs, becoming a mother didn’t hinder my career progression.
Need to devise ways to support working mothers
Like work-from-home has become the new normal, workforce comprising working mothers is also becoming the new norm. As a society we need to devise ways and means to support this shift. Being a mother in a professional setting needs to be normalized.
I’m incredibly proud to be a part of a company that not only supports motherhood, but also celebrates it. The motherhood ‘penalty’ can't be eliminated overnight. However, I’m proud to work for a company that fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion in its true sense. We are making every efforts to #BreakTheBias every day.
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