Why Are Successful Women Often Questioned About Work-Life Balance?

It's a common observation that successful women are frequently asked to justify their professional success in terms of their personal life. This scrutiny often stems from a deep-rooted societal double standard, where the same level of expectations is not applied to their male counterparts.

The Double Standard in Our Society

There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world; we must pay a price for everything we achieve. For a woman, this often means sacrificing personal time for professional success. Interestingly, even historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi faced such criticism for neglecting their families in pursuit of professional success. This is not exclusive to women; it is a universal struggle faced by those who are relentlessly driven towards their goals.

A Historical Context for Gender Roles

In the traditional family system of just a few decades ago, men were primarily responsible for earning a living, while women managed the household. Consequently, if a husband worked long hours or traveled extensively for his job, children were generally unaffected as the mother was there to care for them. However, today's landscape is markedly different. Women are now actively involved in the corporate and government sectors, striving to match their male counterparts' professional achievements. They too work late hours and travel extensively, leaving less time for family and children.

Societal Expectations and Nature's Design

While it is fair to demand equality between men and women, it would be unreasonable to expect the impossible. Nature has endowed women with unique responsibilities that cannot be transferred to men. Only a woman can give birth to a child and provide certain nurturing functions, such as breast-feeding, that are vital for a child's development. Biologically, women tend to be more loving and caring towards their children, a trait often attributed to the natural bonds formed through pregnancy and childbirth.

When a woman wishes to achieve the same level of success as her male colleagues, she may struggle to fulfill these parental responsibilities. Consequently, she is frequently questioned about maintaining a work-life balance. Society still expects her to prioritize motherhood, often at the expense of her career.

The Transformation in Modern Society

Fortunately, society is evolving, and fathers are increasingly taking on more responsibilities in raising their children. This shift allows mothers to dedicate more time and energy to their careers. As the number of working women grows, such questioning about work-life balance will become less relevant. In the future, both parents can share the burden, ensuring that children receive the care they need while their parents are also able to thrive professionally.

It is important for society to recognize and support the unique roles and contributions of both men and women. By acknowledging these differences, we can create more balanced and supportive environments that allow all individuals to achieve their full potential without feeling the pressure to choose between success and family.