Many women balance multiple responsibilities beyond their careers, including caring for children, supporting ageing parents, managing household finances, coordinating appointments and maintaining family relationships
As South Africa marks Women's Month, attention is once again turning to the growing number of women leading businesses, organisations and public institutions. However, experts argue that many women continue to face an often-overlooked obstacle to career advancement: the invisible workload carried outside the workplace.
The commentary argues that while workplace discrimination, limited access to funding and unequal opportunities remain major challenges, unpaid mental, emotional and logistical labour also continues to affect women's professional growth.
Many women balance multiple responsibilities beyond their careers, including caring for children, supporting ageing parents, managing household finances, coordinating appointments and maintaining family relationships. Even when household chores are shared, they often remain responsible for planning and organising these tasks.
According to the commentary, this "mental load" can contribute to decision fatigue, reduced focus and emotional exhaustion, limiting the time and energy available for leadership development, networking and high-profile career opportunities.
