In an incredibly distressing experience, my rights as a new mother on maternity leave were violated. Despite being approved for 40 weeks of leave, just two weeks after giving birth while caring for my 10-day-old baby, I was informed that my role had been made redundant. Overnight, the support I had trusted disappeared, leaving me anxious, overwhelmed, and fearful for my family’s future.

What should have been a time of healing and bonding became a stressful scramble to job-hunt and prepare for interviews. This experience is not unique as many mothers face similar unfair treatment, with emotional, financial, and family impacts that last long after maternity leave ends.

No mother should ever be made redundant while on maternity leave. At the very least, returning mothers must be offered a suitable role when they come back, with time to settle before any redundancy is considered. This is basic fairness, decency, and respect.

Stronger legislation is urgently needed to prevent companies from exploiting redundancy rules to undermine maternity protections. Loopholes must be closed to ensure mothers are genuinely safeguarded during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.

I urge policymakers, advocates, and all who care about family rights, gender equality, and fair workplaces to support this call for change. Together, we can ensure mothers are protected, valued, and treated with dignity.

Please sign this petition to stop companies from imposing such unjust practices on mothers who already give so much out of love and responsibility.