Liana Van Zyl

Uniscale, Spain

Title: Empowering Women: Navigating Parenthood and Professional Growth

---

Biography

Abstract

In a world brimming with potential, we gather as women to redefine the narrative of motherhood and career aspirations. As a childbirth educator and assistant, I've stood witness to the extraordinary strength within each woman as she embarks on the transformative journey of motherhood. However, this journey is often fraught with challenges, especially for those navigating it alone.

Through personal trials, I've experienced firsthand the constraints of single parenthood on professional endeavors. As a self-employed mother, the quest for balance between nurturing my children and nurturing my career became a relentless struggle. Limited options for maternity and paternity leave compounded with the absence of support structures left me grappling with the harsh realities of a fragmented professional landscape.

Yet, in the face of adversity, there lies resilience. Today, I stand before you not as a victim of circumstance but as a beacon of hope. Our journey towards empowerment begins with acknowledging the systemic barriers that impede our progress. Let us forge a path where parenthood does not diminish but amplifies our professional ambitions. Together, we possess the power to reshape policies, demand equitable opportunities, and foster a culture where single parents thrive, not merely survive.

Join me in this crusade as we champion the cause of women's health, redefine maternity and paternity leave, and dismantle the constraints hindering single parents from realizing their full potential. Together, let us create a future where every woman, regardless of her journey, can flourish both personally and professionally