Children’s laughter, chatter and conversation filled Little District during the latest gathering in the series “You Are Not Alone, Mum”, organised by Europe House Novi Sad together with Svilene bube and Cubo Play. The October meeting focused on one of the key issues of modern parenting: how to balance career goals and motherhood, overcome inner doubts and start your own business after maternity leave.
For many mothers, choosing between building a career and staying at home creates pressure and raises the question of whether they can meet everyone’s expectations. The aim of the workshop was to create a space where mothers could put this burden down and replace guilt with genuine support, says Angelina from Svilene bube.
“Balancing work and motherhood gets very little media attention, and when people do talk about it, there is usually a sense of guilt, both for mothers who stay at home and for those who choose a different path. Women really enjoy seeing other mums in the same situation. This is a moment for all of us to reset a little, for mums to reconnect with their old selves and discover the new version of themselves that motherhood has created. It matters that we talk in a relaxed atmosphere, ‘like over coffee’, and still come away with concrete and inspiring ideas.”
One of the main focuses of the workshop was women’s entrepreneurship and practical ways to turn business ideas into reality. Participants heard concrete advice on how to start their own project and how to make use of available support schemes. This is the key, says one of the speakers, Dragana Prošić from Arka Account.
“This kind of support is very important, because in Novi Sad we rarely have the chance to attend gatherings like this. Mums can come here and relax, knowing their children are safe, and share whatever is on their minds. We covered entrepreneurship and starting a new business once maternity leave is over, whether that means going back to work or starting something of your own.”
Alongside practical business tips, participants learned how Europe House supports projects that empower women and help them become financially independent. Workshop participant Mirjana Lozanovska Klać was clearly pleased.
“The workshop was really interesting and I am very glad I took part. I had the space to share what I do and what I plan to do, and I got lots of useful information from other mums who are on the same wavelength. In the 21st century, we as mothers want to give our best both to our children and to our work, so extra advice and support in balancing the two is more than welcome.”
While the mums talked, the children had fun with entertainers and activities made just for them. The next gathering is planned for November.