Today is Mother’s Day. A day that reminds us of something we should carry with us every day - gratitude, respect, and love for the women who shaped us. It’s a moment to call your mother if she’s far away, to visit her if you can, or simply to think of her. No matter what, the impact mothers have on our upbringing and on the people we become is immeasurable.
The history of this day is actually a story of three remarkable women and their activism. It began in 1858 with Ann Jarvis, who, through “Mothers’ Work Days,” saved lives by fighting for improved public health conditions in the community. It continued in 1870 with the poet Julia Ward Howe, who saw mothers as a force capable of achieving world peace. Finally, after her mother’s death in 1905, her daughter Anna Jarvis launched a campaign that led in 1914 to an official national holiday, as recognition of all the invisible work and sacrifice that women contribute to society.
This day always reminds me of a story from my professional life.
She applied for a position at the end of summer, and from the very first meeting, she impressed me. That tiny woman had that rare combination of energy, competence, and something you simply recognize - this is the person. A few days later, the company owner called me: “Do you know she’s five months pregnant? We can’t hire someone at that level who will soon go on maternity leave. We need someone who can work immediately and long-term.” I understood his concern, but I didn’t agree. I felt she was the right fit for the team. Fortunately, he trusted my judgment, and he liked her too.
So she joined us. She worked almost until the very end of her pregnancy. In the meantime, a little girl arrived. My colleague exercised her legal right to a fully paid year dedicated to her child, which in our society can be used by both mothers and fathers, and that is something I consider a great value of our society. After her maternity leave and vacation, she returned.
And you know what? I never once regretted that decision. Not only is she a wonderful mother, she is equally outstanding at her job. Dedicated, responsible, and someone you can always rely on.
People often asked me whether it’s worth hiring someone when you know they will soon take a break and you’ll have to wait a year. Interestingly, these questions don’t come only from men, many women ask them too. And I understand why. Women who built their careers without interruption, who carried the burden of proving themselves, sometimes find it harder to understand why a system should wait for someone else. But they, more than anyone, know how hard it is to earn your place, and how much it would have meant if someone had extended a hand back then. That says more about the system we grew up in than about us. Because if we don’t believe in each other - who will?
My answer has always been the same: if I didn’t believe in that person, I wouldn’t have hired her.
We all go through different life stages. For women, motherhood is one of them, intense, transformative, and temporary. It is not a break in a career. It is not a sign of a lack of ambition. It is a part of life that, paradoxically, often makes women even better at what they do. Of course, everyone shapes their own path. Today, more and more women consciously choose not to become mothers, and that is a completely valid decision. They dedicate themselves to their careers, hobbies, and live equally rich and fulfilling lives.
But choosing motherhood does not mean a woman cannot or does not want to build a career. Continuity exists - yes, with pauses, but it does not diminish the quality of work in any way. Companies should have more understanding for mothers, but also for women who plan to become mothers. Through motherhood, women often grow, becoming more efficient, empathetic, and focused, and that shows in every aspect of their work.
So next time you’re choosing someone for your team, don’t just look at the calendar. Look at the person. Because the loyalty and expertise you gain from a woman you supported at a key moment in her life, is priceless.
P.S. My colleague is pregnant again. And her little girl? She grew up with us, she used to come to the office while her mom was on leave and somehow became part of the team. That’s what happens when you’re not just colleagues, but you truly belong somewhere. We’re waiting for both of them.
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