Reclaiming Power: How Relauncher Programs Empower Mothers to Break Through Career Barriers

A heartfelt call to action for companies and organizations worldwide to support and empower working mothers through relauncher programs, and the stories that inspire us to break down the barriers that hold them back

Ea Gesika
3 min readMay 12, 2023
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Motherhood is a beautiful and fulfilling journey, but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. It’s especially tough for working mothers who have to juggle their careers, family life, and their own personal needs. Unfortunately, taking a career break to focus on family can often lead to a decline in confidence and credibility when re-entering the workforce.

As one returning professional puts it, “I can’t help but bleed my heart from all the judgement and pay cuts a mother had to take.” This sentiment is echoed by many mothers who have experienced the same challenges when trying to restart their careers. However, there is hope. Relauncher programs have emerged as a solution to help mothers get their feet and their confidence back.

In the Philippines, where no company has yet taken the initiative to launch such programs, there is a growing need for support for returning professionals. It’s disheartening to see that many highly skilled mothers are being overlooked simply because they took a career break. But this is not just a problem in the Philippines. It’s a global issue that affects working mothers everywhere.

In fact, studies have shown that women are more likely to leave the workforce to care for their children than men. And when they do, they often face difficulties when they try to return to work. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, “Women who take a career break to raise children may struggle to return to work due to a lack of affordable childcare options, inflexible working arrangements, and a lack of support and training opportunities.”

This is where relauncher programs come in. These programs offer support and training to help mothers re-enter the workforce with confidence. They provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and upskilling, which are crucial in today’s fast-paced job market. And they are not just limited to first-world countries. Relauncher programs have been successful in countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa, proving that support for working mothers is a global issue that needs to be addressed.

Photo by cottonbro %studio from Pexels

As Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, once said, “Women cannot have it all. Not every day. Not all at once.” But with the right support and resources, working mothers can come pretty close. Relauncher programs offer a way for mothers to continue pursuing their careers while also balancing their family responsibilities. And that’s something we should all be working towards.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by working mothers are real, but so is the potential for success. Relauncher programs provide a lifeline for mothers who are ready to re-enter the workforce with confidence and determination. Whether you’re in the Philippines, the United States, or anywhere else in the world, we need to recognize the value that working mothers bring to the table. As the saying goes, “There’s a Top A Player in every mother,” and it’s time we started giving them the support they deserve.

--

--

Ea Gesika

Co-author of New Normal, New Beginnings • CAT- holic • wife • mother to a little boy • marketing professional • trend hunter • growth hacker • geek • artist