I keep seeing the same story take shape, and the monster seems to be getting bigger; it breaks my heart every single time. As I sit to write this today, there is a surge of emotions that I am dealing with, and a lot of it is the feeling of numbness.  

Through it all, the one question that remains unanswered is why we are trying to point fingers rather than spending that time solving or equipping our societies and workspaces with better facilities and policies?  

 A childcare tragedy where young children were hurt in a place that was meant to keep them safe. Someone tries to speak up, and almost immediately, the questions turn toward the mothers: Why was she working? Didn’t she know the risks? Shouldn’t she have stayed home? The train of questions never seems to end.  

It happened again recently where reports from Bengaluru described children being mistreated at a workplace daycare. A woman connected to the centre who tried to bring the abuse out into the open-faced serious backlash. Instead of focusing entirely on protecting the children and fixing what failed them, many voices quickly shifted to judging working mothers. 
As someone who works every day with women navigating safety, guilt, and impossible choices, this pattern frustrates me deeply. It feels like we’re punishing the very people who are already carrying so much. 

Let’s Be Honest About These Misconceptions 

I’ve heard it too many times: A good mother stays home. As if wanting to work, needing to work, or finding purpose in a career suddenly makes someone a bad parent. The truth is, most of us don’t have the luxury of simple choices.  

We work because our families depend on us. We work because it gives us dignity, independence, and hope for a better future for our children. 
Blaming mothers when things go wrong doesn’t protect children it just adds another layer of shame. It makes women hesitate today  speak up when they see something concerning.  
It distracts us from asking the real questions: How did this happen in the first place? What systems failed these little ones? And why do those who try to protect them often end up paying such a heavy price? 

Corporate Accountability Cannot Be Optional 
What troubles me most is how easily companies can distance themselves from these failures. If an organisation offers or endorses childcare support for its employees, that comes with real responsibility. It shouldn’t be just a checkbox benefit. 
We need stronger corporate accountability frameworks things like regular independent safety audits, proper caregiver screening and training, transparent monitoring, and genuine protections for anyone who raises concerns.  

Child safety in workplaces cannot be treated as an afterthought or something that can be fully outsourced without oversight. Parents, especially mothers, deserve better than having to hope and pray that everything will be okay. 
 
Choosing Empowerment Over Blame 

I truly believe that women’s empowerment and child safety are not enemies they support each other. When mothers feel supported in their choices and protected by reliable systems, families become stronger. When we stop shaming women for working and instead demand better safeguards, we create a world where both children and parents can thrive. 

At iDare, this is the heart of what we do  helping people recognise risks, find their voice, heal from difficult experiences, and build safer lives. We see every day how heavy the guilt can feel for working mothers. If you’re carrying that weight right now, please know you’re not alone, and your desire to provide and grow is not the problem. 

Our compassionate therapist Mehak is available after work hours to listen, support, and help you navigate the complex emotions of motherhood, work, and safety concerns. 
At iDare, we’re here to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Reach out here to connect with Mehak or explore our other support resources because taking care of yourself is also taking care of your family.