Amidst the ever-changing landscape of modern careers, women have risen to the forefront, breaking barriers, and shattering glass ceilings. These trailblazing individuals ambitiously pursue their professional aspirations, defying societal expectations and stereotypes.
However, behind the scenes, there exists a profound and often untold story - the challenges faced by career women who are simultaneously nurturing their roles as mothers. Juggling the demands of a successful career while raising babies can be a daunting and emotionally taxing journey, as they navigate the delicate balance between ambition and motherhood. In this article, we delve into the triumphs and tribulations of these exceptional women, shedding light on their unwavering determination to forge their path amidst the complexities of modern-day living.
However, with the changing times and regardless of all the prejudices women still face in their day-to-day lives, working mothers have started to take over the professional world and are seen thriving in many areas of work. That being said has constantly increased in recent times, and the problems faced by the same women have become a reigning public issue.
To be precise, here are some of the common challenges faced by working mothers along with a few ways and means to overcome them. Inability to maintain a work-life balance for a mother, working full-time can be extremely tedious and exhausting.
Besides having to handle their professional work, they also have to do their household chores and look after their kids. This drastically affects their work-life balance and takes a toll on their emotional as well as their mental health.
Never-ending efforts to multitask common challenge faced by working mothers are the constant need to multitask. Whether they are working at the office or from home, they must constantly tackle their personal and professional life. The Point newspaper engages some Career women to share their experiences.
Awa Ceesay, a working mother and a Teacher at Foday Kunda Lower and Upper School, shares her experience as a working mother and the challenges she faces.
Awa, who has three children, states that it is really difficult to be a working mother and a teacher, saying life in the village can be quite challenging. She explains that she would usually wake up early in morning to prepare her kids for school, fetch water and continue to school till 1:30PM.
“When I came back home, I use to cook for my family, launder my children's uniform and later prepare dinner for the family. That is quite challenging,” she said.
Mariama Singhateh, a supervisor at Nawfa, who is also a working mother, told The Point that she faces a lot of challenges when dealing with her family and work. Madam Singhateh says she supervises 7 of their branches at the West Coast Region, including Marakisa village, Ndemban Jola, Foni Block, Sibanor, Bintang, Dasilameh, and Foni Berefet.
"I have 6 children I look after and as well supervise different branches at our workplace. Sometimes going to these places can be difficult,” she laments. “I also leave my kids with my neighbours to take care of them, which is also another challenge. This is just because I don't want to depend on anyone."
Amie Saidy, who is an agent and a mother of a six-month-old baby, indicates that being a career woman with a baby is the most difficult task that one could encounter.
"Being a mother is never easy especially when you are breastfeeding your child. The mother would have to leave her child at home and go to work and this could honestly have a huge impact on the baby because the baby is not having proper feeding and the other thing is: wanting to fulfill your martial duties," Awa said.
Isatou Dampha, a resident of Bakau, and a mother of three, says balancing work and having kids to take care of is the most difficult thing one could experience. This, she added, could even lead to depression.
"It's always hard on me, especially in the morning. I would have to wake up very early to take care of my 6-month-old baby, drop her at the daycare school and then go to work. After work, I use to go and pick her up while struggling to reach home and prepare dinner for my husband. Sometimes the man would not even bother because they use to say ‘it's our responsibility’, which is very unfair," Dampha said.
