Motherhood: Parenting, Power and the Push for Progress

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | May 11, 2025

On this Mother's Day, we reflect on how far we've come as a society in supporting working mothers—but also how far we still need to go. Across the globe, women in high office are reshaping traditional roles, blending leadership with motherhood in bold and often controversial ways. Three standout examples—Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand), Karoline Leavitt (USA), and Christy Clark (Canada)—offer insight into the delicate and demanding balance of career and caregiving.

In 2018, Jacinda Ardern broke global ground when she became the first sitting New Zealand prime minister to give birth in office. Her decision to take a six-week maternity leave while leading a nation was both celebrated and scrutinized. Ardern, who once held the portfolio for Child Poverty Reduction, challenged the idea that leadership and parenthood are mutually exclusive. Her journey sparked dialogue around what modern governance and gender equality really look like.

Karoline Leavitt, now the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, entered the political spotlight with the Trump administration in 2024. At only 27 and a new mother, her swift return to the demanding White House role has invited both admiration and criticism. For some, she is a role model proving that young women can rise in conservative politics. For others, her experience underscores the pressure on mothers to perform without pause, even in high-stakes positions.

Christy Clark, the former Premier of British Columbia, kept a photo of her son Hamish on her desk as a reminder of her priorities. After stepping away from politics in 2005 to focus on motherhood, she later returned and led her party to two election victories. Her story highlights the emotional weight of leading while mothering and the ongoing challenge of time—not just quality, but quantity.

Yet while these leaders have helped break ceilings, many working parents—especially mothers—still face outdated systems. It’s time we reflect not only on personal stories but on infrastructure. In today’s world, we should be building far more daycare centres—especially those integrated into office buildings—so parents can visit their children during lunch or coffee breaks. These small acts of connection are critical to both child development and a parent’s well-being.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let these stories serve not just as inspiration, but as a call to action. Until every working parent has the support they need—regardless of title—we have more progress to make.

#Mothers Day 2025 #Working Mothers #Women In Politics #Modern Parenting #Leadership And Motherhood #Childcare Reform #WBN News Global #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788