Motherhood meets leadership: unleashing the power of working moms this Women’s Month

When we think of powerhouses in the workplace, we often picture polished suits, firm handshakes, and relentless schedules.

But what if the most impactful leaders are also the ones juggling nappies, meal prep, homework, and spreadsheets all before 8am?

This Women’s Month, we're shifting the spotlight to a group that often leads quietly but effectively: working mothers.

“Working mothers represent a new breed of leaders,” says Anja van Beek, leadership and talent strategist. “The women juggling diapers and deadlines, schoolwork and strategy, have a secret weapon, a unique blend of skills that’s often overlooked in the boardroom.”

But these women, who are the backbone of many households and businesses, continue to face invisible penalties for simply being mothers.

The motherhood penalty is real and costly

The 2025 State of Motherhood Survey by Motherly paints a stark picture: 66% of mothers have considered leaving the workforce or reducing hours due to the cost and stress of childcare.

Even more sobering, the 2024 Bankrate Study reveals that full-time working mothers earn 35% less than fathers, amounting to a potential lifetime income loss of $600,000 (around R10.6 million).

Here in South Africa, while the data mirrors global trends, there’s an added layer of pressure due to economic inequality, lack of affordable childcare, and outdated workplace expectations.

But it’s not just financial; emotional strain is high, too. According to Gallup’s Wellbeing Data, 50% of working mothers report severe mental fatigue and burnout, compared to 40% of men.

“Success looks different now”

Van Beek, who has worked with female leaders for over eight years, tells "Independent Media Lifestyle", “The motherhood penalty is still largely invisible, but it’s there. From stalled careers after maternity leave to the assumption that ambition dims with motherhood, many women are unfairly measured by old standards.”

She opens up about how her own definition of success has evolved: “Success for me used to be about ticking every box, being everywhere, doing everything. Now it’s about intentionality. It’s about knowing what matters, saying no when needed, and understanding that boundaries don’t make you less ambitious, they make you more focused.”

Transferable skills:

Van Beek believes the corporate world is missing out by overlooking the transferable skills women develop through motherhood:

• Time optimisation
• Conflict resolution
• Emotional intelligence
• Resilience
• Prioritisation under pressure

“These aren't just ‘soft skills,’” she says. “They’re essential leadership tools. A mom who navigates a tantrum, packs lunch, and joins a budget meeting often all before noon isn’t unfocused. She’s laser-focused.”

And yet, career gaps for caregiving are still seen as setbacks rather than growth opportunities.

The invisible load: A second shift

Ever heard of the "second shift"? That’s the term used to describe the unpaid labour women do after work, cooking, cleaning, school runs, and providing emotional support.

Van Beek explains: “I had a colleague who would wake up early to cook dinner before going to the office. For her, making sure the family had a meal ready when she got home was non-negotiable. That’s a workday before the workday. And it’s hardly recognised.”

This invisible load contributes significantly to burnout and inequality in career progression. And while younger generations are increasingly willing to share responsibilities at home, traditional gender roles remain stubbornly persistent in many households.

Rethinking leadership

Women are often judged by different standards in the workplace. Van Beek notes that traditional leadership models, which are always available, desk-bound, and directive, tend to favour masculine traits.

“But there’s a shift happening,” she says. “The most successful teams are those that create psychological safety. That means team members feel seen, heard, and respected. And who better to foster that environment than mothers who do it daily for their families?”

Feminine leadership traits like collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity are not only powerful, they’re necessary for modern work cultures.

Are companies ready for real inclusion?

Some companies are making progress, especially in a post-Covid world that embraces flexibility and remote work. But Van Beek is quick to point out that not all workplaces are moving at the same pace.

“There’s still a long way to go when it comes to fast-tracking women into leadership roles or recognising the value of diverse leadership styles. Coaching, mentorship, and structural support are still missing in too many places.”

She recalls a recent workshop with 30 women in a male-dominated industry. “The moment they felt heard, supported, and safe to speak up, they started thriving. That’s the magic of women supporting women.”

You can have it all, but define what ‘All’ means

Perhaps one of Van Beek’s most powerful takeaways is this: “Yes, you can have it all. But ‘all’ must be defined by you. It may not be the luxury car or the corner office, it might be a flexible schedule, a slower pace, or time with your kids.”

And every “yes” requires a “no”. Choosing reduced hours might mean postponing that overseas holiday, but it could also mean preserving your sanity and your sense of self.

Working mothers are not just coping, they’re leading with strength, creativity, and compassion. It’s time for society and workplaces to catch up.

“Don’t underestimate the power of working moms. They’ve already proven they can do the impossible. Imagine what they could do with real support.”