The business world is back in full swing, in line with increased consumer spending and confidence. As everything has changed and evolved, does this hold true across all parameters? As touched upon earlier in my previous thought leadership article related to gender equality, female representation at the workplace, remains a hot topic.

Historically, female leadership and/or the stance of females within the corporate hierarchy, was largely driven by the company’s cultural background and/or even the country of origin.

Anno 2023, female business professionals still struggle to grab onto leadership positions within a male-dominated workforce, most prominently across Asian cultures and/or the MEA Region to a certain extent.

The challenges become more apparent for working mothers. If work-life programs are not activated in the private sector, the strain/pressure mounts, especially when an accelerated level of dedication, longer working hours and/or business travel are being demanded whilst climbing up the corporate ladder.

So, what are the requirements to overcome these faced challenges and who should bear them, we can ask ourselves. To start with, I believe that there is a need for corporations to step up, identity underlying challenges and set in place proactive measures and initiatives. Multiple research studies across the globe have proven time and time again that a gender mixed leadership team generally unlocks better bottom-line results, problem solving, innovation and/or even team engagement.

To achieve sustainable growth success, gender diversity initiatives and programs should be reactivated and/or strengthened by leadership teams, that were either paused and/or dialled down during the economic crisis. HR departments should be tasked & empowered to have an unbiased & deeper understanding of their employees’ needs and create valuable tools solutions for all team members to excel in their career development journey, such as for instance exploring further hybrid working models.

Also, on a macro-market level, we can witness multiple governmental initiatives being deployed. Let’s take Spain as an example, that has recently announced government-paid leave for female employees to recover from menstrual pain. More markets are expected to follow suite and within the private sector as well, albeit it to be unpaid leave.

Some of the most conservative markets globally such as Saudi Arabia, has now imposed new governmental decrees. 6Mn+ Saudi working females are currently benefiting from equalized retirement ages and mandated pension care credits during maternity leave. Even more so, Saudi working females are as of today taxi drivers, scientists, or assistant chef cooks, fulfilling job roles that traditionally were always occupied by Saudi men only.

Reflecting inwards, we all carry the personal duty to encourage change where possible. Being a mother of three kids, I am fully aware & conscious of the challenges working mums face. 

Keeping this fine balance between work/life is not always possible, and leveraging a strong support system of family and/or friends, goes a long way. 

As working moms shouldn’t be discriminated at the workplace, the same logic should be applied on a personal level as well. Career moms shouldn’t’ feel guilty or burdened for choosing a personal dream or career path vs. her initial role as a mother. Instead, we should all embrace the opportunity that we can wear many hats and don’t need to choose one role vs. the other. Working moms can be successful both professionally and personally, hence we all need to work towards to this change of thinking, mindset, and mentality as there is still a lot of work to be done on this front. 

Especially once we will then look back at our career paths, we can be filled with joy and pride of our achievements, and our children and families will share this sentiment as well.

Not only is self-awareness key, but creating open communication lines with peers, colleagues, and senior stakeholders to further educate, is something we can all contribute to. 

Finally, as business leaders, we can transmit back our thoughts and personal experiences to the larger business community through networking events, personal blogs, panel and/or speaker sessions, which are all great forums to openly discuss and brainstorm new ideas and suggestions.

When we can unite towards a common goal of improvement for all, anything can be achieved.