Sania Mirza Opens Up About the Sacrifices of Motherhood: “Parenting is Never 50-50”

Renowned tennis star Sania Mirza has shared her heartfelt thoughts on the sacrifices mothers make, stating that the responsibilities of parents are never equal, and mothers always do more. The former wife of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and one of India’s most celebrated sports figures, Sania Mirza, not only carved out her own identity in the world of sports but has also embraced motherhood with full dedication.

In a recent podcast appearance, Sania discussed her journey into motherhood, the physical and emotional struggles she faced, and the unequal burden of parenting responsibilities. She emphasized that while her career and busy life were fulfilling, becoming a mother brought with it its own set of challenges, especially the difficulty of breastfeeding.

Sania opened up about the emotional toll of being a working mother, recalling how just six weeks after giving birth, she returned to work and felt an overwhelming sense of sadness and guilt when leaving her baby behind, especially when traveling by air. “It was a strange feeling on the plane, and I cried when I had to leave my baby behind,” she admitted.

Reflecting on the unequal distribution of parental duties, Sania firmly stated, “Parenting is never 50-50; the mother always does more. The world is not equal for mothers. This is not just an issue in one country, but everywhere.” She emphasized that a mother’s sacrifices—whether emotional, physical, or time-related—are far greater, no matter what profession or social class they belong to.

Sania’s candid remarks have resonated with many women, particularly on social media, where her fans expressed their agreement with her views. Many applauded her for openly acknowledging the struggles of motherhood despite being a successful athlete. Social media users pointed out that, as a mother, Sania considers this role as her most significant and beautiful responsibility, above everything else.

Her statement has sparked widespread discussions about the inequalities mothers face globally and has shed light on the realities of balancing professional life and motherhood.