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| A Nigerian stay-at-home mom aspiring to become a doctor AI art by Awunli Eghosasere |
As I scrolled through my social media feed a few months back, a sponsored ad caught my eye. It wasn't the usual promotional material, but a recruitment initiative by a local bank specifically targeting stay-at-home mothers. Intrigued and hopeful, I delved deeper, learning about the program and even applying to see if the opportunity was genuine so I could inform other women in my community.
In today's fast-paced world, the role of stay-at-home moms is often undervalued and underutilized. Many women find themselves in this position not by choice, but by circumstance, facing barriers to pursuing their professional aspirations while balancing the demands of family life. The journey of a stay-at-home mom is often marked by missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Despite acquiring education and possessing valuable skills and work experience, many women are unable to leverage them due to the constraints of traditional employment structures. The rigid 9-5 model does not align with the realities of modern life, leaving stay-at-home moms searching for alternative avenues to contribute to their households and society.
The rising unemployment rate has forced many women to prioritize their families, taking on small businesses or informal jobs to contribute to the household income. While these efforts are commendable, they often represent a stark underutilization of these women's vast potential. My own story mirrors this reality. After completing my mandatory youth service, I became a stay-at-home mom following marriage and pregnancy. Like countless others, I faced the arduous task of navigating motherhood while my professional aspirations remained unfulfilled.
The traditional 9-to-5 model, established decades ago, doesn't always seamlessly integrate with the complexities of modern life, particularly for mothers. However, this doesn't mean a professional career and motherhood have to be mutually exclusive. We should strive to create a world where these two aspects can coexist harmoniously, allowing mothers to pursue their professional dreams while nurturing their families.
Unfortunately, countless women, myself included, have faced blatant discrimination in the job market. In 2017, after successfully navigating several rounds of assessments, I was denied a job opportunity solely because I had two young children. This is just one of many similar experiences. Another acquaintance had her job offer rescinded upon disclosing a few weeks of pregnancy, and yet another, a skilled accountant, was unable to secure a suitable position after relocating to start a family. These stories, sadly, are far from unique.
Years later, watching the series "Genius," depicting the life of Albert Einstein, further cemented my resolve to bridge this gap. The tragic story of Mileva Marić, Einstein's wife, resonated deeply. A woman with exceptional talent, perhaps even rivaling her husband's, was forced to abandon her scientific aspirations due to societal constraints and domestic responsibilities. This resonated with the countless mothers whose lives revolved solely around household duties, their skills and abilities untapped and yearning for an outlet. This realization served as the catalyst for my social impact project, "Hapiwify." This initiative aims to inspire and empower women to pursue their professional goals and dreams, even amidst the challenges of motherhood.
As Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, the first female chairman of First Bank of Nigeria aptly stated in an interview, "only a foolish man will not use 50% of his assets." By failing to leverage the potential of stay-at-home mothers, we will lose an invaluable opportunity for progress and development. Engaging in petty trade might suffice as a short-term solution, but it pales in comparison to the true potential and expertise waiting to be harnessed.
Policymakers and organizations must prioritize initiatives that utilize this untapped talent. By promoting flexible work arrangements, remote work opportunities, and childcare support systems, we can foster an inclusive environment where mothers can thrive both professionally and personally. Investing in stay-at-home mothers isn't simply about offering them opportunities; it's about acknowledging their potential, dismantling systemic barriers, and fostering a more equitable society. When we empower mothers, we empower families, communities, and ultimately, the West African region as a whole. This International Women's Day, let us celebrate the incredible contributions of mothers, both within the home and beyond, and work towards creating a future where their talents are recognized, valued, and fully utilized.