Motherhood a profession?A job? A vocation?A blessing?
It’s all and some more.Mothers have the most profound effect on the child.It’s not me, but psychologists who say this.Children need their moms.
But families need to sustain themselves too.
SAHM is a luxury many can’t afford.
What society forgets is that everyone has a mother.Mother’s bring up nations, their leaders, their army men, their entrepreneur’s, everyone!If a nation continues to ignore the sacrifice women make to bring up the future citizen of the world you are missing the point.
My story
When I became a mommy my life underwent a 180 degree reset.I wanted to do everything I always wanted to do, but my first priority shifted from own happiness to baby’s health and happiness.
It’s a miracle how mothers across time and geographical borders want the same for their child
But I had another little bug to take care of.This bug was inside my brain.The weird nonstop talking part which wouldn’t let me give up trying.
The education and learning I have received.What kind of example will I set if I dont practice what I talked about ?
About being able to support me financially and socially.
It seemed impossible that I could continue having a career while I brought up the little one.
God intervened.
My Job as a medical teacher was God sent.
It’s flexible and helps both of us juggle baby work housework and professional duties without hair tearing worries.
When my baby was born, I was not in a Government service.I received no paid maternity leave.In fact at a job interview, an interviewer asked me about my plans for family planning!That gave me a jolt.That’s strange and discriminatory but stranger things happen.
Now things hopefully are changing.Laws are being made but are you aware of them?
I share a few of the key changes in the Indian Maternity Benefit Amendment bill and how it will affect you.
Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India
Key points in the MB Amendment Acts
- Increased paid maternity leave (from the existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks).But for third or more pregnancy it is still 12 weeks
- Work from home options.After the 26 weeks leave and depend on nature of work an agreement with the employer.
- Option for adoptive mothers.Up to 12 weeks of leave from the day of adoption.
- Creche benefits.Mandatory with up to 4 visits allowed during work hours.
- The responsibility of the employer to educate the employee about her rights.
Some other countries with good Maternity benefits are:
- Germany: Has sensible and kind rules for pregnant, nursing, mothers and also for child care benefits.
- Canada and Norway allow 50 weeks and 44 weeks respectively as paid maternity leave.
- The United Kingdom has excellent maternity benefits with up to 52 weeks leave.
- But not so good in the USA.I was surprised to know they have the lowest levels of leave for mothers in the industrialized part of the world!
My thoughts :
Why would any country want a brain drain of successful, hardworking creative sincere women workforce ?
Women bring essential soft skills to a workplace which no man can.
A society which doesn’t appreciate women can never truly progress.
How can governments across the world deprive such a large section of the population to the right to a livelihood?
Do not think you cannot be financially independent without a job.You can do the same as an entrepreneur.
[bctt tweet=”When the going gets tough, you will discover superpowers!” username=”misra_amrita”]
You just have to believe.That’s my Word of the year.
You may have to work harder but you will be stronger.
Additional ideas and resources(will be updated)
Have a skill?Use Skillshare Udemy, Teachable, Etsy, Instamojo, to share your course, class and digital products. LinkedIn to network and create a professional circle.
Check out Inkwellteam an extraorservice force for global flexible work options connecting businesses with accomplished women !
Did you get maternity benefits?How do you think the Government can help families more?
Write in the comments below!
Writing this for #MondayMommyMoments.
This week the #MondayMommyMoments prompt is :
A Mother deserves the highest salary !-Manushi Chhillar (Miss India 2017)
Your thoughts on this. Tell us the good, bad and the ugly.We want to know!
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This is indeed a good news. So glad that they have these changes in the law. Very beneficial for new mothers to bond and get back to normal.
Yes! US offers terrible options when it comes to maternity benefits. It’s so important to have a healthy, creative and gender balanced society.
GoI has taken a significant step on increasing the maternity leaves to 26 weeks. A considerable number of mommies have now turned into entrepreneurs and that’s the most welcoming change
It’s good to know about the amendments in the law. And they seems in favor of moms. Hopefully, companies will.start following these.
I am glad that the GOI has made these reforms, i know how difficult it is for women to take the lesser no of leave of absence. Thanks for sharing this info.
This is definitely a topic no one talks about .. you have written it very well.. such an informative post ..
Thank you
Wow! This is a great article. Some of the facts captured are startling. I would say that time has come for government to take steps to give more time for mothers year recoup. This should apply to the govt and private sector.
yes I think its for both
very informative and I like that India is thinking outside the box too. Loved that you talked about the ‘not so talked’ about thing. Its high time preggy mom’s are getting better paid leaves.
Thanks Zainab
Great to know about the key changes in the Indian Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill. This is so informative.
There’s so many rules most companies turn a blind eye to when it comes to maternity leave. Hopefully this start improving soon in India. Useful and informative post.
Very true.
Really didn’t know about the changes in law! Thanks for sharing! Indeed some good changes! ❤
For years everyone has just spoken about the issues that comes along with pregnancy .. but this was such a refreshing and informative post. Great read.
This is a very helpful podcast. Though the rules are in place, many companies are yet to openly set up facilities proactively to support working mothers. I feel though, this is atleast a step in the right direction!
Thanks Ishieta.Yes true its a step in right direction
Hey Amrita, you always shared amazing informations and I always learnt a lot while visiting your blog. thanks a lot for this. loved this week’s mondaymommy topic and shared my view in blog post, excited to know what others are saying.
Thanks Surbhi.
I was asked the same question in an interview. It is very discriminatory indeed. Thanks for sharing this information. Many people don’t know about this.
Thanks Varsh!