As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2025 (#IWD2025), the conversation around gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the challenges they face in balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities has taken center stage. Among the voices contributing to this global dialogue is Esotu, a UK-based Nigerian engineer, who has shared her personal and professional journey, shedding light on the persistent struggles women face in achieving work-life balance.
Eshotu, a seasoned engineer with over a decade of experience in the male-dominated field of mechanical engineering, has become a beacon of inspiration for many women, particularly those of African descent, striving to excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. However, her success has not come without significant sacrifices and challenges, especially when it comes to juggling her demanding career with her roles as a wife and mother.
In an exclusive interview, Esotu opened up about the societal expectations, cultural pressures, and systemic barriers that continue to make it difficult for women to thrive both professionally and personally. “The idea that women can ‘have it all’ is often oversimplified,” she said. “While it’s possible to pursue a successful career and maintain a fulfilling family life, the reality is that it requires an immense amount of support, resilience, and sometimes, tough choices.”
Eshotu’s story is not unique. Across the globe, women are increasingly entering the workforce, breaking barriers, and shattering glass ceilings in various industries. Yet, the burden of domestic responsibilities and caregiving often falls disproportionately on their shoulders. According to a 2024 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), women spend an average of 4.5 hours per day on unpaid care work, compared to just 1.5 hours for men. This disparity not only limits women’s career progression but also contributes to burnout and mental health challenges.
For Esotu, the struggle to balance her career and family life became particularly pronounced after the birth of her first child. “I remember returning to work just three months after having my baby,” she recalled. “I was physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and constantly torn between meeting deadlines at work and being present for my child. It felt like I was failing at both.”
Her experience highlights a broader issue: the lack of adequate maternity leave policies and workplace support for working mothers. In many countries, including the UK, maternity leave provisions remain insufficient, forcing women to make difficult decisions about their careers and family life. Esotu advocates for more progressive policies, such as extended parental leave, flexible working hours, and on-site childcare facilities, to help alleviate the pressure on working mothers.
As a Nigerian woman, Esotu also faces unique cultural challenges that compound the difficulties of balancing career and family. In many African societies, women are expected to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers above all else. Pursuing a career, especially in a demanding field like engineering, is often viewed as secondary or even unnecessary.
“There’s this pervasive belief that a woman’s primary duty is to her family,” Esotu explained. “While I deeply value my cultural heritage, I also believe that women should have the freedom to pursue their passions and ambitions without being judged or stigmatized.”
She emphasized the importance of changing societal attitudes and challenging traditional gender roles. “We need to start having honest conversations about the expectations placed on women and how these expectations can limit their potential. It’s not about abandoning our cultural values but about creating a more inclusive and equitable society where women can thrive in all aspects of their lives.”
Eshotu’s journey into engineering was not without its obstacles. Growing up in Nigeria, she was often discouraged from pursuing a career in STEM, with many people telling her that it was a “man’s field.” Undeterred, she followed her passion, earning a degree in mechanical engineering and later moving to the UK to further her career.
Today, she is a respected figure in her industry, working on innovative projects and mentoring young women who aspire to follow in her footsteps. However, she acknowledges that the gender gap in STEM remains a significant challenge. According to UNESCO, women make up only 28% of the global workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“We need to do more to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM,” Esotu said. “This starts with providing them with role models, access to quality education, and opportunities to explore their interests. But it also requires addressing the systemic barriers that prevent women from advancing in these fields, such as gender bias, discrimination, and lack of mentorship.”
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, Esotu’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. While progress has been made in recent years, particularly in terms of increasing women’s participation in the workforce, significant challenges remain.
Eshotu believes that achieving true equality requires a collective effort from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals. “We need policies that support working mothers, workplaces that value diversity and inclusion, and societies that empower women to pursue their dreams without fear of judgment or discrimination,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of men being active allies in the fight for gender equality. “This is not just a women’s issue; it’s a human issue. Men have a crucial role to play in challenging stereotypes, sharing caregiving responsibilities, and advocating for change.”
As the world looks to the future, the need to address the challenges faced by women in balancing career and family has never been more urgent. Esotu’s story is a testament to the resilience, determination, and strength of women who refuse to be defined by societal expectations or limited by systemic barriers.
On this International Women’s Day, her message is clear: “We must continue to push for change, not just for ourselves but for future generations. Together, we can create a world where women no longer have to choose between their careers and their families—a world where they can truly have it all.”
Eshotu’s journey is a powerful reminder that while the road to equality may be long and challenging, it is a journey worth taking. And as more women like her share their stories and advocate for change, the dream of a more equitable and inclusive world becomes increasingly within reach.
