While we proudly celebrate women in tech, women in leadership, and talk about workplace equality, the reality remains far more complex. Being a working professional woman carries unique challenges and expectations distinct from those of a working professional man.. When a woman steps into her workplace, she carries with her a multitude of emotions and responsibilities—especially when she is a mother. She operates like a finely tuned machine, constantly juggling the roles of a mother, wife, and daughter to aging parents.
Every mother vividly remembers the first day she returns to work after maternity leave—a day filled with a whirlwind of emotions. As she gently places her little one in kindergarten or childcare, a knot forms in her stomach, torn between the necessity of her career and the instinct to stay by her child’s side. The image of her child with teary eyes clinging to her lingers in her mind as she drives to work, her heart heavy with guilt and worry.
A flood of questions races through her mind, even as she steps into the office, forcing herself to shift gears and focus. She tries to wear the mask of professionalism, but beneath it, her heart aches for the warmth of tiny hands that had clung tightly to her neck just hours ago. The first day back is not just about resuming her duties; it is a test of resilience, a delicate balancing act between personal and professional responsibilities.
For many mothers, this day marks the beginning of a new chapter—a constant juggle between ambition and motherhood, between deadlines and bedtime stories. And though she learns to adapt, that first separation remains etched in her memories forever.
Women are an exceptionally efficient and focused workforce. We don’t deviate from our goals, our intuition is often spot on, and we approach leadership with empathy. We consider the well-being of our teams before committing to unrealistic deadlines—an innate quality that stems from being natural caregivers.
I once had a manager who was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Instead of stepping back immediately, she called a team meeting to assure everyone that she had arranged backup plans to ensure the team wouldn't feel lost during her absence. I was awestruck by her confidence when she promised she’d be back soon. And she did return—with renewed energy and resilience.
A few years ago, I also had the privilege of working alongside a global head who was preparing for maternity leave. She was charismatic, meticulous, and had an exceptional ability to steer meetings with clarity. I recall a discussion where developers were getting carried away with technical details. With a firm yet friendly tone, she quickly refocused the conversation, reminding everyone that the goal was to brainstorm tactical solutions.
Months later, I met her again, this time, on a high-level executives call. She looked exhausted but determined as she presented her team’s updates. The senior executives, all men with at least three children each, had no firsthand experience of what she was going through. When someone asked how she was doing, she replied honestly, "You know how exhausting this time is." The response was "We have no idea, sorry." The conversation moved on, her exhaustion dismissed. It made me wonder—had these men never seen their wives struggle through this phase? Or had they been too focused on climbing the corporate ladder while their wives managed everything at home?
Even in European countries that offer financial and social support for maternity leave, one truth remains—if a woman wants to stay in the race, she must stay in the field. Being away too long means being forgotten, no matter how valuable her contributions once were.
For centuries, society has dictated that men are providers and women are caregivers. Rewriting that narrative is not easy. I have seen young mothers, driven by ambition, return to work before their maternity leave officially ends—not because they are ready, but because they fear being left behind. Carrying a child, giving birth, and enduring the physical and emotional toll of motherhood is something only mothers can understand. Overcoming that challenge and stepping back into a demanding career requires extraordinary resilience and determination—an innate strength unique to women.
Some women are fortunate to have supportive families who help them chase their dreams. Others are not, but their aspirations remain just as strong. For many, a career is not just about financial stability—it is about passion, growth, and the drive to succeed, just as it is for men.
In an era where AI and technology are reshaping our world, where humanity is on the brink of revolutionary advancements, one thing remains unchanged—the struggle of a woman returning to work after having children. Often, she is forced to start from scratch or accept a role and salary far below her experience level. This setback can dim her passion or derail her entire career trajectory. Many of us choose to accept these conditions—not because we lack ambition, but because we just want to get back to work, whether for passion or necessity.
A couple of years ago, I could not get back to work within the planned time, as I couldn’t secure childcare for my first born. The company I was working for, wasn't very supportive of my situation and I decided to resign. Then came the COVID lockdown, and suddenly, there were no jobs. Months later, when a rare opportunity opened up, I went through multiple rounds of interviews, cleared them all, and secured the job. What made the difference was a company willing to look past my career break and recognise my potential. Though the role I was offered was a step below what I had aspired to, I knew I would get there—perhaps a little later than planned, but on my own terms.
Recent conversations with recruiters have only reinforced the reality that little has changed for women seeking to return to work. I was advised to lower my expectations and "start over," simply because I had a defined career break—something that still carries a negative stigma in the recruitment world. I don’t blame them; they simply revealed the undeniable truth. The competition is fierce, and technology is rapidly evolving, they claim, making it even harder. But we are more than ready to face that competition and adapt to new technologies, if given the opportunity. Because sometimes, success is just one opportunity away.
I might sound like someone with an external locus of control, but trust me, I am not. Life is often about second chances, and I believe that when given the chance, women can rise to the occasion and prove their worth, no matter the gap in their careers.
Maternity breaks are an inevitable part of a woman’s life. These breaks are not really setbacks, in reality, they are transformative learning experiences that equip woman with invaluable skills. Rather than being seen as a career gap, motherhood should be recognized as a period of intense skill development. The experiences gained during this time shape women into strong, capable, and emotionally intelligent leaders who bring immense value to any organization. Companies that acknowledge and leverage these skills will not only benefit from a highly competent workforce but also foster a more inclusive and progressive work culture.
As the world advances at an unimaginable pace, corporations and the recruitment industry must evolve too—not just in technology, but in mindset. They must normalise career breaks for women, offer more programmes for women retuning to work after a break. Because women do not lack talent, ambition, or skill—they just need the door to be open when they are ready.
