At the inaugural Moms Conference and Exhibition 2024 hosted by Mammy Nest, women advocates stressed the crucial role of health and wellness in empowering mothers to successfully balance professional ambitions and family obligations.
NAIJATRAFFIC learnt that , these experts encouraged mothers to recognize their potential, pursue their passions, and overcome the inherent challenges of motherhood.
The inaugural Mom’s Conference and Exhibition 2024, organized by media personality Zibi Anani, was a groundbreaking event that united hundreds of mothers and experts to explore the crucial balance between career ambitions and family obligations.
With a focus on empowering mothers to reach their full potential, the conference featured inspiring keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and interactive exhibitions.
According to certified mindset coach Moufiq Abu, prioritizing mental and physical well-being is essential for mothers to avoid burnout and excel in multiple roles. Abu emphasized the importance of self-care, encouraging mothers to set aside time for themselves and seek support when necessary, as nurturing one’s own well-being is vital to nurturing others.
Additionally, she advised mothers to harness the valuable skills and insights gained through parenting as powerful tools in their professional lives.
Echoing this sentiment, the CEO of Raiyan Inspires Consulting Limited emphasized that motherhood should not hinder professional advancement, but rather serve as a catalyst for growth and success.
“While it’s beautiful to be fully present at home, this can lead to challenges later on when mothers attempt to re-enter the workforce. The time spent away can diminish their confidence and competence, making it difficult to secure employment,” she stated.
“While it’s beautiful to be fully present at home, this can lead to challenges later on when mothers attempt to re-enter the workforce. The time spent away can diminish their confidence and competence, making it difficult to secure employment,” she stated.
Abu introduced an empowering framework using the acronym “AMBITION,” emphasising that motherhood equips women with the capacity to take action and problem-solve in challenging situations.
She noted, “Every time your child cries, you must act, whether it is feeding them or changing a diaper. So, why not channel that proactive mindset into pursuing your own goals?
“Being a mother, you are a leader, you are the first lens your children use to see the world. You have certain insights and you have certain things you learn that even make you a better partner to your husband and also somebody that can influence society.
“I know motherhood gives you certain skills that you can monetise to increase your income. Motherhood also gives you certain skill sets to make you more influential in society
“The mindset of a mother is very problem-solving. You won’t say the child is crying or you need to find money for school fees, or you need to find a way through stuff, and you do not bother. You’re a mother. You have to find a way, so why not use that grit and that audacity? You have to be able to have that kind of mindset to be able to do the things that you need to do.”
Olaide Ademulegun, founder of Afro by Nature, emphasized the significance of nutrition and exercise for overall wellness. She challenged the notion of achieving perfect balance between work and family life, instead advocating for effective time management.
Sharing her personal experience as a businesswoman and mother, Ademulegun stressed that alignment between passions and family commitments is key. “It’s not about finding perfect balance, but managing time wisely,” she said.
Ademulegun encouraged mothers to prioritize their ambitions and interests, warning against sacrificing personal goals for marriage and children. She emphasized the importance of maintaining individual identity and pursuing passions alongside family responsibilities.
“In today’s society, women often forget about their dreams once they become mothers. But I encourage you to keep pursuing what you love. Your children will benefit from seeing you thrive and grow,” she summarized.
The convener of the Mom’s Conference and Exhibition, Zibi Anani, shared her vision for the event: empowering women to rediscover their identities and pursue their aspirations while navigating the challenges of motherhood. Drawing from her personal experience, Anani acknowledged that motherhood can often lead women to lose sight of their dreams.
“This platform serves as a reminder that motherhood doesn’t require sacrificing one’s identity,” Anani emphasized. “Our goal is to harmonize motherhood with personal goals, enabling women to thrive as nurturers, professionals, and individuals.”
The conference featured expert speakers from diverse fields, including business, finance, and entrepreneurship. Through panel discussions and workshops, these speakers engaged over 400 attendees, providing practical tools and insights to empower mothers to reach their full potential.
Looking ahead, Anani expressed excitement for future editions, revealing plans to expand the venue to accommodate growing interest.
“We are aiming for even more participants next year, possibly moving to a larger space.
“This is just the beginning, and we want to create a lasting impact for mothers everywhere,” she highlighted.
