Work life balance and motherhood penalties is a challenge for working mothers.

This was a highlight during a breakfast networking and knowledge sharing session organised by Women in Business and ANZ at the GreenHouse Studio yesterday.

Women leaders from ANZ New Zealand were guests at the session where they shared their experiences in their career life .

“Motherhood penalty is very real for women and their careers,” said ANZ group executive, New Zealand and Pacific, Antonia Watsone.

“We just have to keep working on policies, encouraging women and how we can get them back from a parental leave in order to make sure that they continue their careers.”

“We’re trying to be really careful and deliberate about that at ANZ and including appointing people to roles when we know they’re about to go for parental leave.”

“There are times in your career where you have to put your head down and work really hard, the key is that you’re enjoying what you’re doing and what your balance has been.”

ANZ regional executive Pacific, Sarah Stubbings added that individual work balances may differ from others and communication was very important.

“True flexibility works and benefits everybody,” she said.

WIB president Nur Bano Ali said women in business was all about promoting women in the corporate/commercial sector.

“We present women in high profile positions, leadership so we can learn from each other and aspire to leadership positions.”

“When women are in charge, they mobilise action,” she said.

Story By: Laisa Lui

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