I am a mother of a two-month-old baby, and despite being able to afford child care, I struggle to find a reliable caregiver for my child. I have always excelled academically, hold a good position, and earn a substantial income. However, I currently face a dilemma that many working mothers encounter after maternity leave.

In India, maternity leave is granted for six months, but many mothers, like myself, have to work far from home and raise their babies alone. After the first six months, when a mother needs to return to work, her infant is still too young to be away from her for extended periods, such as 8-9 hours a day. This is especially challenging when commuting to an office becomes a requirement.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire country adapted to working from home. So, why can't new mothers have the option to work remotely until their child turns one? Unfortunately, not all companies have a work-from-home policy, which forces many talented and skilled mothers to quit their careers to take care of their babies.

Implementing a mandatory work-from-home policy for new mothers for an additional six months after maternity leave can be a game-changer. It allows mothers to balance their responsibilities, reduce the time spent commuting, and provide the much-needed care and attention their infants require during this critical stage of development.

Moreover, this policy enables mothers to gradually reintegrate into their professional roles while still attending to their newborns' needs. It would be a significant step toward supporting working mothers, enhancing work-life balance, and retaining talented women in the workforce.

The solution is both practical and feasible, given that we've already demonstrated our ability to work from home effectively. Extending this option to new mothers for six more months post-maternity leave can greatly impact the well-being of mothers and their infants while strengthening the workforce.

Please join me in urging companies and policymakers to prioritize this crucial change. Sign this petition to advocate for mandatory work-from-home policies for new mothers, ensuring they can care for their babies without compromising their careers.