Over 400 participants were present at the Shangri La as it played host to the Mom Leaders Conference 2024. Organized by Parenthood Global, this landmark event was dedicated to celebrating and empowering mothers who masterfully juggle the manifold responsibilities of family, career, and leadership roles. It was a day of profound recognition, insightful discussions, and a reaffirmation of the immense contributions made by working mothers to their families, workplaces, communities, and the broader economic and social fabric of the nation.

The conference, which was an amalgamation of inspiration and intellect, commenced with an introduction by Gayani De Alwis, Vice Chairperson of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) and a valued member of Parenthood Global’s advisory board. She eloquently underscored the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for working mothers, emphasizing that the ripple effect of such an initiative would benefit not only corporations but the nation at large. Central to the conference were two distinguished panel discussions, each delving into critical themes pertinent to working mothers.

The first panel, titled "Embracing Imperfection as Mom Leaders," featured an illustrious lineup of speakers from diverse industries and at various stages of motherhood. The panellists included Dilmini Weragama, Zahara Ansary, Chandi Dharmaratne, and Mahesha Amarasuriya, with the session moderated by Danu Innasithamby. This discussion was a treasure trove of wisdom, as the speakers shared candid experiences and practical strategies on how to navigate the dual roles of motherhood and leadership. The panellists highlighted the importance of work-life balance, the significance of wellness and mindfulness, and the necessity of career advancement for working mothers.

They also addressed the challenges that mothers face in the corporate world, from managing quality time at home and work to overcoming societal judgments related to pregnancy and motherhood. The dialogue extended beyond the personal to consider the role of corporations in fostering environments where mothers can excel. The panel's insights were a clarion call for both individuals and organizations to rethink their approach to supporting working mothers.

The second panel discussion explored the theme of "Effective Corporate and National Strategies to Promote Mom-Inclusivity." This session featured a diverse group of leaders, including Kasturi Chellaraja, Dr. Sulochana Segara, Chandita Samaranayake, and Jehan Perinpanayagam. The discussion addressed key issues such as the implementation of flexible work policies, the importance of paternity leave, and the role of daycare facilities in enhancing productivity and corporate growth.

The panellists also emphasized the need for male empowerment and involvement in supporting working mothers, underscoring that the responsibility of fostering a mom-inclusive workplace is not solely on the shoulders of women. One of the highlights of the conference was a presentation by Zahra Cader from SLASSCOM, who introduced SLASSCOM’s She Returns programme. This initiative is a strategic effort to reintegrate mothers who have taken career breaks due to motherhood back into the workforce.

The conference also featured a thought-provoking segment led by Aarthy Arunasalam, the Country Gender Lead of the International Finance Corporation. She discussed the critical role of daycare facilities in boosting productivity and profitability for companies, as well as their impact on the nation’s GDP. She has shared compelling survey results and case studies from collaborations with various companies, highlighting the transformative effect of accessible and quality daycare on the lives of working parents, particularly single mothers.

Another notable moment was the official announcement of a collaboration between Parenthood Global and Great Place to Work® to introduce the Great Place to Work for Parents initiative. This partnership aims to create more supportive and inclusive workplaces for parents, further reinforcing the conference's overarching theme of mom-inclusivity.

The event also ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship, with Parenthood Global unveiling the Mom Entrepreneur Incubator Programme. This initiative, in collaboration with Optimist and Elegance, is designed to support and nurture mom entrepreneurs, encouraging corporates and industries to join hands in fostering a sustainable ecosystem for mompreneurs. The conference highlighted a reflective note with a segment led by Dr Sajani Dias, Dean of Edith Cowan University Sri Lanka, who addressed the academic challenges faced by mothers and the importance of supporting their educational aspirations. In summation, the Mom Leaders Conference 2024 was a resounding success.