Sania Mirza, the celebrated tennis icon who made waves both in India and globally, continues to inspire women with her candidness—not just on the tennis court, but also off it. Known for her bold personality and relentless pursuit of excellence in a male-dominated sport, Sania has often been an advocate for women’s empowerment. In a recent heartfelt conversation on Masoom Minawala’s podcast, she shed light on a topic that resonates with many women—motherhood and the emotional, physical, and societal challenges that come with it.

The Emotional Toll of Motherhood

Sania Mirza’s journey into motherhood was as real and raw as it gets. Married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik at the time, Sania became a mother to a baby boy, Izhaan. While she acknowledged that her pregnancy was relatively smooth, she opened up about the lesser-talked-about emotional challenges that followed.

She shared that breastfeeding was one of the most difficult parts of her early motherhood journey. Despite being a top athlete and used to physical endurance, Sania admitted that the emotional strain of being away from her newborn son took a significant toll on her. Just six weeks after Izhaan’s birth, she had to return to work. On that first trip away from her baby, she was pumping breast milk on flights, all while grappling with a heavy dose of “mom guilt.”

Working Mothers and Guilt

The mom guilt Sania described is a deeply relatable emotion for many working mothers. Whether it’s leaving for a job, a meeting, or even taking a short break, the societal expectation that a mother must always be present often leads to inner conflict. For Sania, returning to her demanding schedule meant balancing her responsibilities as a mother and a sportswoman, both of which required intense dedication.

Sania’s voice echoes the reality that many mothers face—where even the most committed and successful women struggle to balance professional ambition with maternal responsibilities.

“It’s Never 50-50”: A Truth About Parenthood

One of the most poignant parts of Sania’s interview was her honest admission: “It is never 50-50 between both parents.” This statement struck a chord with many listeners. According to her, no matter how progressive a household might be, mothers often shoulder more of the burden—emotionally, physically, and mentally—when it comes to raising children.

She clarified that this isn’t about pointing fingers at fathers or partners but about acknowledging a societal truth. “This is not about one place or culture,” she said. “It’s a norm almost everywhere in the world.” Her words highlight the systemic imbalance in parenting roles, which women everywhere face, regardless of their economic or social status.

An Advocate for Real Conversations

What makes Sania Mirza stand out beyond her athletic accomplishments is her commitment to speaking the truth. Her openness about the emotional aspects of motherhood and the unseen labor that women perform every day is a much-needed perspective in today’s conversations about gender roles and parenting.

She is not alone in this fight, but her voice adds weight and credibility to the ongoing dialogue about redefining what equal parenting really looks like.

Conclusion: Changing the Narrative

Sania Mirza on motherhood. Sania’s story serves as a reminder that even the strongest women face challenges, and that motherhood, while beautiful, is layered with unseen sacrifices. Her bravery in speaking up contributes to a broader understanding of what women go through—not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well.

By sharing her own experiences, Sania Mirza not only encourages empathy for mothers but also pushes us all to reflect on how we can better support women through the journey of motherhood.