Mothers, in all their roles, embody exceptional dedication and unwavering spirit. Whether as guardians of the family or professionals across various sectors, their presence leaves a profound impact on family welfare and societal development. Their perseverance and strength reflect boundless passion in balancing domestic duties and professional responsibilities.

Women — including working mothers — play a vital role in a wide range of fields, including science, technology, and statistics. According to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the female labor force participation rate reached 54.52% in 2023 (BPS, 2023). Furthermore, over 60% of women in informal employment spent more than 10 hours per week on household chores or caregiving tasks (Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, 2024).

The contribution of mothers in both formal and informal sectors is substantial. For instance, 30% of professionals in Indonesia’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sector are women (Sakernas BPS, 2020). This proves that women — including mothers — are actively involved in driving innovation and technological progress that supports national development. Their roles in data processing, decision-making, and various professional capacities are fundamental to sustainable progress.

Behind these achievements, however, are challenges that must be overcome. Balancing professional duties with the responsibilities of motherhood is no easy feat. Yet many mothers have proven their ability to overcome such hurdles with hard work, resilience, and a strong eagerness to learn. Recent data from Milieu Insight shows that 6 out of 10 working women in Southeast Asia struggle to find enough time to manage both work and family commitments. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by working mothers in maintaining balance between the two worlds (Milieu Insight, 2024).

At the same time, mothers who choose to fully dedicate themselves to family life hold no less vital a role. They serve as the cornerstone of nurturing a future generation filled with compassion, care, and positive values. Whether pursuing a career or focusing entirely on family, each path is a testament to sacrifice and unconditional love — deserving of the utmost respect.

Mother’s Day is a timely opportunity to reflect on and honor the struggles and contributions of every mother. They are a source of inspiration, resilience, and exemplary values for younger generations facing the future with confidence. The spirit and dedication of mothers teach us that no challenge is insurmountable.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, wherever you may be. Thank you for your love, hard work, and countless sacrifices. May your strength and perseverance continue to inspire the world.

Sources:

• Badan Pusat Statistik. (2023). Female Labor Force Participation Rate. Retrieved from BPS Statistics Table
• Badan Pusat Statistik. (2020). Labor Force Situation in Indonesia – August 2020. Retrieved from BPS Publication
• Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, & MicroSave Consulting. (May 2024). Summary Report: Women in Informal Work and the Digital Economy – A Future of Work Study. Retrieved from MicroSave PDF
• Milieu Insight. (2024). Navigating the Complexities of Work-Life Balance: The Challenges and Strategies of Working Mothers in Southeast Asia. Retrieved from Milieu Insight