The balance between career and parenting has long been debated, but as the new Women’s Day campaign from Prega News highlights, societal perceptions lag starkly behind the reality of modern motherhood. The campaign, launched on March 4, 2025, casts light on the struggles of working mothers, urging society to embrace and support women who manage both professional and parental responsibilities.
At the heart of these discussions is Neha Ruch, the author of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids — and Come Back Stronger Than Ever, released just recently. Ruch’s personal narrative, combined with statistical insights, guides the conversation about the expectations and challenges faced by today’s mothers. After completing her MBA from Stanford University, Ruch began her career leading brand marketing at a tech company. Yet, after the birth of her son, she realized her priorities had shifted significantly.
“I didn’t feel like I was truly challenged by it anymore,” she explained, reflecting on her previous role. The birth of her child opened her eyes to the rich experiences of motherhood, leading her to take significant steps back from her career to focus on family. “He doesn’t want me to be anything other than who I am,” she recalled, finding fulfillment and identity away from the corporate ladder.
Ruch’s insights are echoed by recent findings indicating challenges faced by women post-maternity. An Ashoka University report states staggering figures: 73% of Indian women exit their jobs after childbirth, with nearly half of those trying to return dropping out within four months. These statistics underline the weight of societal expectations and the often judgmental scenes mothers encounter every day.
Reflecting on the societal mindset, Ruch shared her experiences post-maternity leave: “When I paused my career, I faced questions like, ‘Are you going to be bored?’ or ‘Did you waste your education?’” These sentiments encapsulate the ingrained perceptions of women who choose to stay home, harkening back to antiquated views of femininity and motherhood.
The Prega News campaign cleverly addresses this by showcasing the story of Sanvi, who awaits her decorated Army officer mother’s arrival at school. The narrative challenges the stereotypes often associated with at-home parenting by representing the mother as both nurturing and accomplished, thereby reframing the conversation around working mothers. “Through this campaign, we aim to spark a conversation about how society views and treats working mothers,” shared Joy Chatterjee, VP at Mankind Pharma.
This societal disconnect is what Ruch attempts to bridge—her book encourages women to embrace their unique situations without feeling remorse or judgement. “A power pause is your chance to discover who you are for the long haul,” she writes, stressing the importance of redefining success away from traditional benchmarks.
Interestingly, the campaign also emphasizes children’s perspectives on their working mothers. Sanvi’s essay, wherein she writes fondly of her mother as her superhero, brings to light the strong, positive influence working mothers can have on their children’s ambitions. “This narrative challenges the guilt often imposed on working mothers,” added Chatterjee, illustrating how work-life integration can be beneficial rather than detrimental.
Ruch's research indicates alarming trends: 1 in 3 women currently working will pause their careers within the next two years, reflecting the urgent need for workplace evolution. “Our employers are going to get used to seeing career pauses as part of the story,” Ruch emphasizes, advocating for environments where career breaks don’t symbolize failure but rather exploration and personal growth.
Reflecting on workplace dynamics, Ruch urges for more inclusive policies. She suggests companies educate themselves and develop practices to retain talented parents. “Women are moving toward small businesses and freelance opportunities; they understand and value each other’s talents,” she notes, alluding to the growing trends of women finding flexible work arrangements.
While Ruch emphasizes personal identity beyond the workplace, she acknowledges the complexity of motherhood. The “gray area” she discusses reflects the blurred lines between traditional working and stay-at-home roles, allowing for flexibility without the guilt of rigid labels. “Women must be empowered to dial up and down without shame,” Ruch describes, as she advocates for acknowledging and supporting the diverse experiences of mothers.
The Prega campaign aligns closely with Ruch’s ideals, emphasizing the need to challenge outdated perceptions. “We’re not June Cleavers serving cocktails—we're ambitious professionals making tough choices,” Ruch asserts, pointing out the societal mismatch between modern motherhood and antiquated stereotypes.
Both Ruch’s findings and the Prega News campaign converge on the urgent need for society to evolve. Maternal love and ambition can coexist, and both narratives reveal the richness of at-home motherhood. “Step away from this notion of career pauses as career enders; you’re growing even when you’re at home,” Ruch reminds us.
Whether through reshaping perceptions of motherhood or the structural changes needed within workplaces, both Ruch and Prega News highlight the importance of embracing the substantial work mothers do. They seek to redefine femininity for future generations, ensuring women can advance their careers without compromising their journeys as mothers. The exploration of identity, replete with grace and resilience, is what both Ruch and the #shecancarryboth campaign encapsulate so eloquently.