By Chioma Obinna

As Nigerian women struggle between family life and career, experts have stressed the importance of mothers pursuing their professional passions, arguing that motherhood should not be a barrier to their professional growth.

The experts who spoke during the inaugural Moms Conference and Exhibition 2024 organised by Mammy Nest in Lagos debunked the myth that motherhood must mean sacrificing personal ambitions.

In her keynote address at the inaugural Mom’s Conference convened by media personality Dorcas Anani, popularly known as Zibi Anani, a certified mindset coach, Moufiq Abu said Nigerian women should know that they are the first lens of the family.

Abu who introduced an empowering framework using the acronym “AMBITION,” said motherhood gives women the capacity to take action and solve problems.

She highlighted the unique skills and qualities developed through motherhood that can be leveraged to succeed in the workplace.

“Motherhood is a powerful catalyst for personal growth and professional success. The skills of leadership, problem-solving, and resilience that mothers acquire can be invaluable assets in any career.

“While it’s beautiful to be fully present at home, this can lead to challenges later on when mothers attempt to re-enter the workforce.

“The time spent away can diminish their confidence and competence, making it difficult to secure employment.

“Every time your child cries, you must act, whether it is feeding them or changing a diaper. So, why not channel that proactive mindset into pursuing your own goals?

“Being a mother, you are a leader, you are the first lens your children use to see the world. You have certain insights and you have certain things you learn that even make you a better partner to your husband and also somebody that can influence society. I know motherhood gives you certain skills that you can monetise to increase your income.
Motherhood also gives you certain skill sets to make you more influential in society.”

Abu further urged mothers to carve out time for self-care and seek support when needed as nurturing oneself is key to nurturing others.
She added that leveraging the skills and insights gained through parenting is a powerful asset in their professional lives.

Continuing, she urged mothers to take care of their health and wellness while striving to balance their careers and family responsibilities.

In her submission, the convener said the conference was designed to inspire women to reclaim their identities while balancing the challenges of motherhood.

She shared her journey and recalled how motherhood can sometimes lead women to lose sight of their aspirations.

“Once you become a mother, it’s easy to drift away from your dreams. This platform is here to remind you that being a mother doesn’t mean you have to get lost.”

She said there was a need to harmonise motherhood with personal goals for women to thrive as nurturers, professionals, and individuals.

She said the conference speakers would engage the over 400 attendees in panel discussions and workshops, providing practical tools and insights aimed at empowering mothers to embrace their potential.

Anani, who expressed excitement for future editions of the conference, said: “We are aiming for even more participants next year, possibly moving to a larger space. This is just the beginning, and we want to create a lasting impact for mothers everywhere,” she added.
The founder of Afro by Nature, Mrs Olaide Ademulegun, stressed the importance of nutrition and exercise in achieving overall wellness.

She stated that achieving balance is more about effective time management than the elusive concept of “balance” itself.

“There is no perfect balance. What we need is to manage our time effectively and ensure that our passions align with our family commitments.”

The event brought together hundreds of mothers and experts to discuss the importance of balancing career goals with family responsibilities.