As the world celebrates Mother’s Day, it is important to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of women who successfully manage their families and careers. In India, the concept of a working mother is still not fully accepted, and women often face criticism and judgment for prioritizing their careers. However, many successful women have proven that with determination and hard work, it is possible to have a fulfilling career and be a loving mother at the same time.
Here are the inspiring stories of five successful Indian women who have successfully managed to juggle family and work:
Indra Nooyi: Former CEO of PepsiCo
Indra Nooyi is a name that needs no introduction. She is a well-known business executive who served as the CEO of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2018. Nooyi is also a mother of two daughters and has often spoken about the challenges of balancing her demanding career with her responsibilities as a mother.
In an interview with Forbes, Nooyi said, “The biological clock and the career clock are in total conflict with each other.” However, she believes that it is possible to have it all, as long as women are willing to make sacrifices and prioritise their time.
Nooyi’s success story is an inspiration to women all over the world, and her dedication to both her career and her family is a testament to the fact that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
Naina Lal Kidwai: Former CEO of HSBC India
Naina Lal Kidwai is another successful Indian businesswoman who has proved that women can excel in male-dominated industries. She was the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard Business School and served as the CEO of HSBC India for many years.
Kidwai is also a mother of two children and has often spoken about the challenges of balancing work and family life. However, she believes that it is important to set priorities and to be clear about what is important.
In an interview with Forbes, Kidwai said, “It’s about being organized, having good time management skills, and having a strong support system.”
Kidwai’s success story is an inspiration to women who aspire to excel in their careers and balance their family life.
Chanda Kochhar: Former CEO of ICICI Bank
Chanda Kochhar is a name that needs no introduction. She is a well-known Indian banker who served as the CEO of ICICI Bank for many years. Kochhar is also a mother of two children and has often spoken about the challenges of balancing work and family life.
In an interview with Economic Times, Kochhar said, “It’s not easy to be a working mother, but it’s not impossible either.”
Kochhar’s success story is an inspiration to women all over the world, and her dedication to both her career and her family is a testament to the fact that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
Ekta Kapoor: TV and film producer
Ekta Kapoor is a well-known Indian television and film producer who has produced many successful shows and films. Kapoor is also a mother of one child and has often spoken about the challenges of balancing her demanding career with her responsibilities as a mother.
In an interview with Economic Times, Kapoor said, “It’s not easy to be a working mother, but it’s not impossible either.” She believes that women can have successful careers and still be great mothers, but it requires a lot of hard work and support from their families and colleagues.
Kapoor has often spoken about how she relies on a support system that includes her family, friends, and colleagues to help her balance her work and family life. She has also stressed the importance of prioritizing her time and being efficient with her work to ensure that she can spend quality time with her child.
Despite facing criticism and judgment from society for her career choices and personal life, Kapoor has remained committed to her goals and has continued to achieve success in her field. Her dedication to her work and her family has made her an inspiration to many working mothers in India.
In addition to her work as a producer, Kapoor has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including supporting education and healthcare for underprivileged children. Her dedication to making a positive impact on society is a reflection of her values as a mother and a professional.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Founder of Biocon
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a well-known Indian entrepreneur and the founder of Biocon, a biopharmaceutical company. She is also a mother of one child and has often spoken about the challenges of balancing work and family life.
In an interview with Economic Times, Mazumdar-Shaw said, “As a working mother, you need to be able to prioritize your time and be very efficient with your time management.” She believes that women can have successful careers and still be great mothers.
Mazumdar-Shaw’s success story is an inspiration to women all over the world, and her dedication to both her career and her family is a testament to the fact that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
The stories of these successful Indian women show that it is possible to balance family life and a successful career. However, it is important to acknowledge that this is not an easy task. Women often face societal pressures and biases that make it difficult to balance these two roles.
In India, there is a general belief that a woman’s primary role is to take care of her family. Many people still believe that a woman’s career is less important than her role as a mother and a wife. This attitude often leads to women being discouraged from pursuing their career goals and ambitions.
However, the stories of these successful women prove that with determination and hard work, women can achieve their career goals and still be loving mothers. It is important to encourage and support women who want to pursue their career goals and provide them with the resources and support they need to balance their family life and careers.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of all working mothers. Let us acknowledge their sacrifices and their determination to balance their family life and their careers. Let us encourage and support them in their journey toward success.
Reference: THIS ARAB MOTHER’S DAY, MEET THE WOMEN JUGGLING HOME, CHILDREN, AND WORK | Your Story | March 2023
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