Bengaluru: Working mothers highlighted how work-from-home and part-time options could be a game-changer for women looking to avoid career breaks at the third edition of the Mompower360 conference, a community dedicated to empowering mothers, Saturday.
Around 200 mothers participated in the event. Many shared with TOI their experiences of unfair treatment upon returning to work, including being assigned less significant tasks. Honey Hazarat, a 40-year-old businesswoman, said, “Corporate structures need to recognise that women, especially mothers, often balance caregiving responsibilities and their careers. Flexible opportunities like part-time roles or work-from-home options can help them stay connected to their ambitions without sacrificing family needs.”
Lakshmi Seshadri, founder of Mompower360, said, “In terms of parental support systems, it’s crucial that corporate programmes are designed by women, for women, and are backed by those who truly understand the challenges of motherhood. Companies need to collaborate with communities who empathise with these struggles and create environments that allow both personal and professional lives to coexist successfully.”
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Honey Hazrat, businesswoman
“The reality is that women are often the primary caregivers in society and in situations, where children require extra attention, such as those with special needs or disabilities, it becomes even harder to balance a traditional full-time job. It’s crucial to create a system where women are supported not only in their roles as caregivers but also in their professional goals.”
Nayana HC, 43, IT employee
“Many organisations offer a six-month maternity break, but when mothers return, they’re often given easy, low-stress tasks as if their capabilities have diminished. There’s a pressing need for more flexible options, such as part-time roles or work-from-home, particularly for moms without strong support systems at home. In some countries, maternity leave extends to two years, offering much-needed flexibility. Companies here need to adopt similar policies that empower women to continue pursuing their careers while balancing family life.”
Pushpavathy KB, 41, HR executive
“I believe we should embrace change rather than wait for it. Technology has opened new paths for women, allowing them to find independence and success, even in challenging environments. For example, I recently interviewed a mother from a small village in Maharashtra who, despite family discouragement, built a successful freelance career, showing that women can thrive without traditional support systems. With right opportunities, mothers can successfully manage both family responsibilities and career ambitions. The key is creating an environment that allows women to find their own path, adapt to the changing world and thrive.”