International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Resilient Spirit of Mums

Ah, motherhood—a role that requires the patience of a saint, the multitasking skills of an octopus, and the stamina of a marathon runner. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let's take a moment to recognise the incredible resilience, adaptability, and achievements of mums everywhere. Because, let's be honest, if anyone deserves a standing ovation (or at least a hot cup of tea), it’s us.

Mums: The Original Innovators

Historically, mothers have been the backbone of families, but they've also been pioneering change-makers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Think of Joanna Jensen, who started Childs Farm from her kitchen when she couldn’t find suitable skincare products for her children’s sensitive skin. That little side project turned into a multi-million-pound company. Or Siobhan Freegard, who built Netmums to provide support and community for mums at a time when parenting felt more isolating than ever. And let’s not forget Sara Davies, who started Crafter's Companion as a university project and went on to become the youngest investor on Dragons' Den.

The Motherhood Myth: Doing It All (While Staying Sane)

Today the expectations placed on mums are overwhelming. We’re expected to be hands-on parents, career-driven professionals, and domestic goddesses, all while pureeing organic vegetables into Michelin-starred baby food. A study from the University of Bristol found that within five years of having their first child, women’s earning power often diminishes due to the need for flexibility in work. Yet, society still clings to the idea that we should be effortlessly balancing it all, smiling sweetly while running on three hours of broken sleep.

But let’s be real—nobody is doing it all. And that’s okay. The perfectly curated social media mum might make it look easy, but behind every aesthetically pleasing post is a mum who has probably reheated her coffee five times and is wearing yesterday's leggings.

How Mums Are Adapting and Thriving

Despite the pressures, mums are some of the most adaptable and resourceful people out there. More than ever, women are creating businesses that fit around their families, proving that success doesn’t have to look like a 9-5 office job. According to the Office for National Statistics, self-employment among women has surged over the past decade, with many mums choosing flexible careers that work for them. From freelancing to launching handmade product lines, mums are proving that you don’t have to sacrifice your ambitions to raise a family.

Breaking the Cycle of Perfectionism

The idea of the "perfect mum" is outdated and exhausting. The real magic of motherhood is in the small, messy, beautifully imperfect moments. It’s in the quick cuddles before school, the bedtime stories, the mismatched socks, and the homemade cakes that look nothing like the Pinterest version.

So this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the real, raw, brilliant strength of mums. The ones showing up every day, juggling responsibilities, and redefining what success looks like. Because whether you're running a business, a household, or just trying to make it through the day with minimal tantrums (yours or the kids'), you’re doing an incredible job.

Let’s raise a toast (or a biscuit dunked in lukewarm tea) to the mums making it work in their own way. Because, at the end of the day, being a great mum isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being there, doing your best, and knowing that your best is enough.