Janice Windt, Founder and MD of the Working Mothers Expo, in partnership with MiWayLife, had a son of nine months old and was pregnant with her second when she was offered the career opportunity of a lifetime. Thrilled and devastated at the same time, Janice was at a cross road that so many women face: can I be the mother I want to be and also have a thriving and fulfilling career? Today, she has started a movement with her fellow working mothers: to remind us that there is support and inspiration out there and that It is possible to make life work if you’re willing to ask for the help you need.
Every woman’s story is different. We all have different circumstances, goals and ambitions, but work life integration is a juggle that every working mother has to learn how to manage. Our careers are often a vital part of our identity and sense of purpose. But when our families come along, we are faced with a transition both at home and at work which isn’t easy to manage and, often, something has to give.
This was Janice’s experience, and that of many of her colleagues and friends: “I started speaking to other working mothers and realised that many of them were struggling with similar things. Many of them were making decisions that they regretted. They were trying hard to cope and putting on a brave face. My heart started to break for these women – for all of us.”
Janice became so passionate about giving voice to the struggles working mothers were facing that she started a blog and eventually interviewed over one hundred working mothers from seventeen countries around the world.
“It was such a privilege to speak to all these women from different backgrounds and cultures and to have them open up to me about their lives. I realised that the challenges we face are not unique. Working motherhood is a challenge. If you find it hard, trust me, you are not alone.”
The Working Mothers Expo brings together everything working mothers need under one roof. Working mothers need to realise they are not alone, get access to the help and inspiration they desperately need and have a moment that is, quite simply, all about them.
To get in touch with Janice and her team and to find out more about the Working Mothers Expo you can visit www.workingmothersexpo.com. Tickets are available at Computicket.
#THEJUGGLEISREAL
The Working Mothers Expo, brought to you in partnership with MiWayLife, brings together everything working mothers need under one roof. 4-6 November 2016. Sandton Convention Centre. With world-class products, services and speakers and great entertainment for your kids, this is an event not to be missed. Tickets available at Computicket.
Hi, I’m Shan. I’m a wife, mom to 3 kids and a businesswoman who works from home and gets very little sleep at night. My days are filled with dirty diapers and toddler tantrums, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I am in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Forbes Africa 2019 and just recently launched my start-up – MomSays.
