An Open Message to Every Working Mother

Motherhood is not a career break. It is one of the greatest responsibilities and most transformative experiences of a woman’s life. Yet, too often, workplaces treat maternity leave as a favor, question a woman’s commitment after childbirth, or pressure her to choose between her career and her child.

As a new mother, I have personally experienced how difficult it can be to balance professional responsibilities with the very real needs of a breastfeeding baby. There are situations where mothers are expected to repeatedly leave their babies, rush back to work, or compromise on feeding simply to prove their commitment to their jobs. This is not professionalism. This is a lack of empathy.

Breastfeeding mothers and their babies need support, not pressure. Managers and organizations must understand that a mother returning to work does not mean that her responsibilities towards her infant suddenly disappear. A baby still needs its mother—physically, emotionally and nutritionally.

No woman should be made to feel that becoming a mother has made her less capable, less committed or less deserving of professional opportunities. Forcing women to resign, indirectly pressuring them to leave, or making them choose between their livelihood and their child is unacceptable.

And this conversation cannot stop with us. We need to raise this issue on a much larger scale—not just for today's mothers, but for every woman who may become a mother tomorrow.

I strongly believe that we should collectively demand:

• An increase in maternity leave for private-sector employees from six months to at least one year.

• Meaningful and adequately structured paternity leave, so childcare is not treated as the sole responsibility of women.

• Flexible and genuinely mother-friendly return-to-work policies.

• Proper breastfeeding and childcare support at workplaces.

• Protection against discrimination, harassment or pressure to resign after maternity leave.

• Managers who understand that empathy and professionalism can—and must—coexist.

If you are a working mother, or if you believe women should not have to sacrifice their careers to be good mothers, please stand with us.

Sign the petition. Raise your voice. Share this message.

We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for a fairer, more humane workplace.

Because the question is not “How can a mother manage both?”

The question should be “How can workplaces do better to support her?”

Motherhood should never be a penalty for having a career.

And creating a better system today means creating a better future for the mothers of tomorrow.