HELLO AMMA

A Return-to-Work Programme for Mums

- BY KSHALINI NONIS

Returning to work after a career break is challenging for most mothers. Besides the emotional guilt there are various obstacles such as the expectations of society and career-related obstacles. We had a chat with Gayani Punchihewa Founder FireCircle by G and Hello Amma about a programme she has commenced to help mums returning to work.

Q CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HELLO AMMA AND THE REASONS FOR STARTING THIS PROGRAMME?

There are women who once thrived in their careers but pressed pause to raise families. When they are ready to return, many find that the world has quietly moved on.

That's where Hello Amma comes in. It's a return-to-work and confidence-building initiative designed for mothers who have taken career breaks, not just maternity leave. We help them rebuild their professional identity through workshops, mentoring, and career readiness training, but just as importantly, we connect them with employer partners who are genuinely open to hiring returnees.

Q WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACED BY MUMS WHO RETURN TO WORK AFTER TAKING MATERNITY LEAVE DUE TO SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS?

For most mothers, the biggest challenge is the emotional weight of returning. "Mom guilt" is real. Many women constantly question themselves: Am I being selfish for wanting a career? Will my children suffer if I'm not around all the time?

At the same time, society still holds on to outdated expectations; that a "good mother" stays home, while an ambitious one is somehow less nurturing. The truth is, Hello Amma isn't for women coming straight off maternity leave. It's for those who have taken extended career breaks, a few years or even longer often stepping away completely to raise children, manage households, or care for family. When they are ready to return, they face not only skill gaps but also self-doubt and bias from employers who view a career gap as a weakness. Hello Amma helps bridge that gap.