Balancing Work and Motherhood

Pakistan is home to over 249 million people, nearly half of whom are women. Yet as per the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics report women account for only 24% of the country's labor force. This disparity is not a coincidence, but the result of structural barriers consistently excluding women from professional spaces. Motherhood stands as one of the most overlooked of these barriers. For millions of women, returning to work after a child is not merely a career choice; it is a profound negotiation between ambition and circumstance, made acute by the scarcity of institutional support.

Labor in Pakistan is gendered in ways that go beyond job titles. Women carry a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities, and most workplaces still operate as though the ideal employee has none. Rigid hours, unsafe environments, long commutes and a near-total absence of on-site childcare facilities make sustained workforce participation difficult for mothers.

Deloitte's Women at Work report highlights that 20% of women fear a lack of childcare will force them to exit the workforce. Despite proven gains in productivity when on-site care is available, it remains virtually absent in Pakistan's formal corporate sector. 

"Being a female entrepreneur in Pakistan, the biggest hurdle I would say is more biological. Raising a child requires a lot of time and focus." - Izzah Zaman, Co-Founder and CEO, Shadiyana.

In the corporate sector, supportive policies can help and play an integral part in fostering an inclusive environment. But nothing enables balance quite like a workspace where a mother has the freedom to bring her child to work. On-site daycares and child-friendly environments bridge the gap between career and caregiving.

With a structural commitment to female inclusion, demonstrated by women comprising over half its management team, Daftarkhwan provides an environment that enables work-life balance for working mothers. On-site support includes a staffed kids' playroom where mothers are welcome to bring their own vetted nannies. Designed to help the little ones feel calm and comfortable, the playroom features soft pastel tones and a variety of toys and books to keep children engaged throughout the day. Ensuring their safety, the facility is equipped with strong security measures, where access is controlled with keycards. Security cameras are also installed, enabling a strict check throughout the day.

“As a mom, having a kid’s playroom facility onsite means my child is safe and close, giving me the confidence to thrive at work.” - Farah Khalid, Deputy Manager Human Resources, Staunch.

Coworking also promotes work-life balance by offering a number of features. Our onsite cafe serves as more than just a place to grab a coffee or food, it's a dedicated space to step away from the desk, decompress and return to work feeling refreshed. Beyond the physical space, members gain access to a vibrant community. Women can connect with other female professionals who understand the unique challenges of balancing professional ambitions with personal life. Through regular conversations, peer support and shared experiences around topics like motherhood and career growth, this community becomes a genuine source of strength for women. Ensuring that women are comfortable at work, Daftarkhwan also promotes period-positive initiatives at work, normalizing menstrual health in the workplace. 

All in all, workspaces that are designed with the working mother in mind are not a luxury, they are a necessity. In Pakistan, where women continue to navigate deep-rooted cultural expectations alongside professional goals, having access to an environment that actively supports them can make the difference between a career that thrives and one that is quietly abandoned.