ENGLISH PROJECT 2023-2024

Reflections on motherhood: Voices

of working mother

XI-F

1)Aadarsh Thodupunoori(11601)
2)Karthik Bala Suriya(11608)
3)Theshva(11613)
4)Shri Adhithya(11612)
 Objective
This project is based on the act " MOTHER'S DAY".
The main reason for doing this project on this topic is
because all of us were interested in knowing more about
motherhood and the sacrifices behind it. :⁠-
Through this project, we thought we would research
deeply into motherhood and help our mothers in the
future whenever needed. The mother is being treated like
a servant in their family and relatives know how
mothers are being treated in their homes.
The famous quote -"the work of a mother is
hard, too often unheralded work. Please know
that it is worth it then, now, and forever
Material evidence
Questionnaire
 Reflections
Aadarsh Thodupunoori:
Before doing this project, I was really curious on
knowing about motherhood. Motherhood is a profound
tapestry woven with threads of love, sacrifice, and tireless
dedication. The challenges of motherhood are vast, from
sleepless nights to the constant demands of caregiving . As
children grow, the role of a mother evolves. The journey
includes letting go and allowing independence to blossom
while remaining a steadfast source of support. I learned
more about motherhood and how the generation has
changed from the past. The sacrifices that mothers make
for their children are truly remarkable and awe-inspiring.
It's remarkable how a mother's presence can have a
profound impact on a child's life. Even though things
have changed a lot, one thing that's stayed
the same is the love and dedication that moms have for
their children. It's a journey marked by challenges and
indescribable joy—a
testament to the enduring strength and boundless love that
defines the essence of motherhood.
K.KarthikBalaSuriya:
‘Mother’ is a word to describe someone who is the most gentle
and empathetic person and also the bravest warrior at the same
time. Men, children, the rest of the family, and society have
their views and opinions on motherhood that might differ from
the thoughts and experiences of an actual mother. As a student
and daughter, I have my thoughts on the subject.I have not
only realized how the situations and support for a mother have
improved from the past but have also come to know about the
new prejudices and problems that have arisen in the present
times. I have learned that even if I do not have the power to
solve all problems at once or to change the past, I can improve
the present little by little, by being kind and thankful to my
wonderful mother and by understanding and empathizing with
other mothers. Indeed, our research was satisfying. Firstly, the
Google forms that we created played a significant role in
helping us understand motherhood. Secondly, the podcasts we
heard enriched our knowledge more. I was able to understand
that being a mother is not easy, our mothers are really
sacrificing a lot for us and we must know all of that and keep
them happy always.
Shri Adhithya .T :
Motherhood is a complex and rewarding experience that can be
challenging at times. The challenges of motherhood are vast,
from sleepless nights to the constant demands of caregiving. Yet,
within these trials, mothers discover reservoirs of strength they
never knew they possessed. The bond forged between a mother
and her child is resilient and delicate, a profound connection that
transcends words. It's in the quiet moments of shared laughter,
the tender touch during difficult times, that the essence of
motherhood reveals itself—a complex blend of nurturing,
guidance, and unwavering love.Indeed, our research was
satisfying. Firstly, the Google
forms that we created played a significant role in helping us
understand motherhood. Secondly, the podcasts we heard
enriched our knowledge more. I was able to understand that
being a mother is not easy, our mothers are really sacrificing
a lot for us and we must know all of that and keep them
happy always.
 P.S. Theshva:
Motherhood is a profound tapestry woven with threads of
love, sacrifice, and tireless dedication. It is a role defined by
selflessness as mothers navigate the delicate path between
meeting their child's needs and preserving their sense of self.
Motherhood, in
essence, is a lifelong commitment to shaping, nurturing, and
celebrating the unique individuals that our children become. It's
a journey marked by challenges and indescribable joy—a
testament to the enduring strength and boundless love that
defines the essence of motherhood. Hence, though my respect
for mothers was already very high, through this project that
involved research on various topics such as ‘mothers of the past
versus present’,' impact of a mother in a child’s life’, and so on,
I was able to gain insight on the current state of motherhood. I
have not only realized how the situations and support for a
mother have improved from the past but have also come to
know about the new prejudices and problems that have arisen
in the present times.
 Report
Title: Working Mothers: Balancing Act and Unseen
Struggles

Introduction:
The role of mothers in society has evolved over time, with
an increasing number of women opting to pursue careers
while managing their responsibilities as mothers. This report
aims to explore the lifestyle and hardships of working
mothers, comparing them with the portrayal of mothers in
the NCERT lesson on Mother's Day.
Working Mothers' Lifestyle:

1. Juggling Multiple Roles:

Working mothers often find themselves juggling multiple
roles - that of a professional, a caregiver, a homemaker, and
more. Balancing the demands of the workplace with the
responsibilities at home requires meticulous planning and
time management.

2. Career Ambitions and Personal Fulfillment:

Many working mothers pursue their careers not only out
of financial necessity but also for personal fulfillment and to
achieve their professional ambitions. This dual commitment
adds another layer of complexity to their lives.
 3. Impact on Family Dynamics:
The decision to work outside the home can impact family
dynamics. Working mothers may face challenges in spending quality
time with their children and may need to rely on support systems
such as extended family, daycare, or external help.

4. Emotional Strain:
The constant juggling act between work and family
responsibilities can lead to emotional strain. Working mothers may
experience guilt for not being able to give undivided attention to
their families or feeling like they are falling short in one aspect of
their lives.

5. Financial Independence:
Working mothers contribute significantly to the family income,
providing financial stability and independence. This aspect is crucial
not only for the economic well-being of the family but also for the
empowerment of women.

Hardships Faced by Working Mothers:

1. Societal Expectations:
Working mothers often face societal expectations and stereotypes
that dictate traditional gender roles. These expectations may lead to
additional stress and judgment from others.
 2. Workplace Challenges:
Discrimination, lack of flexibility, and inadequate maternity policies in
the workplace can pose significant challenges for working mothers.
Striking a balance between career growth and family responsibilities can
be particularly challenging.

3. Mental and Physical Exhaustion:

The constant demand for attention in both professional and personal
spheres can lead to mental and physical exhaustion. Burnout is a
common challenge faced by working mothers.

Comparison with NCERT Lesson on Mother's Day:

The NCERT lesson on Mother's Day often romanticizes the sacrificial
and nurturing nature of mothers without delving into the complexities
of modern motherhood. While it highlights the emotional aspects of
motherhood, it may not capture the multifaceted challenges faced by
working mothers in today's dynamic society.

The lifestyle and hardships of working mothers reflect the evolving role
of women in society. It is essential to acknowledge the contributions of
working mothers, understand their struggles, and work towards creating
a supportive environment that recognizes and addresses the challenges
they face. Balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities
remains a delicate art, and societal attitudes need to adapt to the
changing dynamics of motherhood.
 This report presents the findings from a survey conducted to understand
public opinions on the division of household chores between parents. The
survey aimed to explore the prevailing attitudes towards the involvement
of fathers in domestic tasks and to gauge the level of support for shared
responsibilities within households.

78% of respondents believe that fathers should actively participate in

household chores.
65% expressed a preference for a more equal distribution of
responsibilities between mothers and fathers.

46.2% of respondents, including working mothers and those without

children, believe that employers should offer flexible work
arrangements for mothers. working mothers indicated a preference for
flexible schedules, such as remote work options or flexible hours.

75% of respondents expressed the belief that the government should

play a role in ensuring workplace flexibility for working mothers
,indicated that government support would positively impact gender
equality in the workforce.
50% of the respondents agreed that there should be a gender pay gap

72% believed it would positively impact children's development by

providing a more balanced family life.
 Action plan

1. A group was formed with 5 students who

wereinterested in researching and learning about
motherhood.
2. A discussion was done and different subtopics were
distributed to different group members.
3. A questionnaire was prepared through Google
Forms and was sent to mothers which helped in doing
the survey.
4. Most resources were collected from newspapers and
online platforms such as Google and YouTube.
5. Information was further collected from podcasts
regarding the life of mothers.
6. Classroom discussions were conducted.
7. A report was made using all the resources collected.
8. At the end of the project, each student reflected on
how their view of motherhood had changed before and
after the project.
Thank you