Working moms: secret weapon of modern workforces

"BEING a mom has made me a better businesswoman — and let’s face it, when you have little kids you stop stressing about the little things because you simply don’t have time to.

- ANJA VAN BEEK

I have always felt being a woman in business was an advantage, not a disadvantage, and being a mom even more so." I read this in Harvard Business Review and I couldn't agree more especially when it comes to leadership.

Working mothers represent a new breed of leaders. The women juggling nappies, deadlines, schoolwork and dinner duties have a secret weapon: a unique mix of talents that make them untapped powerhouses in the boardroom.

As a working mother and having led many successful and multinational teams, I have witnessed the direct impact a working mom can have on a business - the productivity she drives and the different perspectives she brings to the boardroom table. But having had a look at the statistics, I am a bit concerned.

Systemic challenges

According to the 2025 State of Motherhood survey by Motherly, a staggering 66% of mothers said that the cost and stress of childcare led them to consider leaving the workforce or reducing their hours. Younger moms, especially Gen Z, report even deeper challenges, including limited access to flexible schedules and paid leave. Gen Z mothers are 2.5 times less likely to have position flexibility than millennials and half as likely to receive paid maternity leave.

Meanwhile, a 2024 Bankrate study shows the motherhood wage penalty is still widening. In 2024, full-time working mothers earned 35% less than fathers, which could translate into a lifetime loss of up to $600 000 over 30 years. I am sure the South African statistics would reveal a similar picture.