The New Norm: Women Leading, Working More Than Before in Everything

Mehwish Haroon, Marketing Manager, Huawei, shares insights on true work-life integration for women through awareness, appreciation, and shared responsibility.
Women work true life integration awareness appreciation shared responsibility Women work true life integration awareness appreciation shared responsibility
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Women work true life integration awareness appreciation shared responsibility
Image Credit: Mehwish Haroon, Marketing Manager, Huawei

The key to true work-life integration is awareness, appreciation, and shared responsibility. Awareness is crucial because societal norms still subtly place more household and caregiving responsibilities on women, even if they are thriving in their careers. Appreciation is vital because women who successfully juggle both worlds often go unrecognized for their dual efforts. Lastly, shared responsibility is essential and non-negotiable. Men in today’s world must step up, not just as supportive partners, but as equal participants in managing households and families.

For decades, the workforce was seen as a man’s domain, while women were expected to manage homes and raise families. Today, that narrative has changed. Women in leadership, technology, and various industries are breaking barriers, proving that their contributions are just as valuable. However, while the professional landscape has evolved, societal expectations have not entirely kept pace.

Women today are managing careers, homes, families, and personal growth all at once. Unlike past generations, where a woman’s primary role was to take care of the household, modern women are leading companies, innovating in technology, and making critical business decisions. Yet, the expectation that they should also shoulder the full burden of household responsibilities remains deeply ingrained in many societies.

The challenge isn’t just about women working; it’s about shifting the mindset that equates their professional success with an added, rather than shared responsibility. We often celebrate women’s empowerment and their ability to “do it all,” but the real conversation should be about balance and shared responsibilities. Women should not have to choose between career growth and a fulfilling personal life—just as men never had to.

Fortunately, this generation is leading the change. We see more men acknowledging and respecting women in leadership roles. We see workplaces fostering inclusive environments. But we still have a long way to go.

As we celebrate Women’s Day, let’s not just applaud how far we’ve come but focus on what still needs to change. Let’s push for workplaces that acknowledge the dual roles women play and encourage men to participate equally in responsibilities outside of work. Women’s empowerment is not about proving we can do it all—it’s about ensuring we don’t have to do it all alone.

This world is evolving beautifully, but with more awareness and action, we can make it even better.

About the Contributor – Mehwish Haroon is a results-driven marketing professional with over 6 years of end-to-end marketing experience, specializing in Field marketing, Event Marketing, Channel Marketing, Partner Engagement, and Strategist. Currently working in the technology sector, Mehwish collaborates with leading partners and distributors to enhance market presence and ROI. Passionate about event marketing and storytelling, she continuously explores innovative strategies to elevate brand positioning. She has also played a key role in executing award-winning partner programs and large-scale industry events that have strengthened business partnerships and brand positioning.

This contribution is under the International Women’s Day initiative #SheIsInfinite.

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