International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action for Mums Who Build
Every mum deserves the opportunity to build financial security, create a fulfilling career, and thrive in motherhood. But for too many, the reality is very different.
Today, on International Women’s Day 2025, we’re not just celebrating women—we’re demanding action. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, underscores the urgent need to push forward on gender equality, tackle the motherhood penalty, and create real financial opportunities for women.
At Mums Who Build, we see the challenges that mums face every single day—from the barriers to career progression to the financial strain of maternity leave and the unequal burden of childcare. We’re here to change that.
The Motherhood Penalty: Why Mums Are Still Left Behind
We talk a lot about the gender pay gap, but what’s even more significant is the motherhood penalty—the financial and career disadvantage that women face simply for becoming mothers.
The Hard Truths:
In 2023, UK mothers earned £4.44 less per hour than fathers—representing a 24% pay gap directly linked to motherhood. (Source)
A study found that 43% of mothers took 12 weeks or less of maternity leave due to financial pressures, and 76% relied on debt or savings during this period.
Women hold less than 10% of FTSE 100 CEO roles, and their representation in FTSE 350 executive positions has increased by just 5% over three years.
Over 50% of working mothers in the UK have considered leaving their jobs or switching careers due to the lack of affordable childcare. (FT Source)
These statistics aren’t just numbers. They represent real challenges that mothers face when trying to balance work, financial independence, and raising a family.
At Mums Who Build, we know that financial security isn’t just about getting back to work after maternity leave. It’s about creating opportunities that work for mums—whether that’s through starting a business, freelancing, or developing a flexible career path.
Why Financial Security for Mums Matters
If we want to see real change, we need to focus on economic empowerment for mothers. The reality is that most workplace structures were not designed for mums.
The expectation is still that mothers will either step back from work or shoulder the majority of childcare, which limits earning potential and long-term financial stability.
What Needs to Change?
✔ Flexible Work & Business Opportunities – More women need access to careers or businesses that fit around family life, not the other way around.
✔ Better Maternity Policies – Mums shouldn’t have to rely on debt or savings just to take time off after having a baby.
✔ Affordable Childcare – The UK has some of the most expensive childcare costs in the world, making it difficult for mums to return to work or grow a business.
✔ Financial Education – Many mums are not taught about financial independence, investing, or business-building—things that could create long-term security.
At Mums Who Build, we are actively working to eliminate these barriers through financial education, business support, and a strong, supportive community.
How Mums Who Build is Accelerating Action
We’re not here just to talk about the problem. We’re here to change it.
At Mums Who Build, we focus on helping mums create financial security on their own terms:
1. Financial Education & Business Support
We equip mums with the knowledge, tools, and resources to start businesses, grow careers, and create financial independence.
Workshops & Meetups – Weekly events where mums learn from experts about business-building, freelancing, and financial strategies.
Practical Resources – we provide real tools that help mums take action.
Mentorship & Community – A space where mums can connect, share knowledge, and support each other in navigating work & motherhood.
2. Building a Network of Support
We believe that mums shouldn’t have to build alone. We’ve created a powerful network where women can support, collaborate, and shop from each other.
coming soon - Shop from Mums & Mum-Loved Brands Directory – Our new platform will spotlight mum-led businesses and brands that genuinely support mothers (get in touch if you’d like to get involved - mobster@mumswhobuild.com)
Partnerships with Like-Minded Brands – We collaborate with businesses that share our mission—helping them reach mums in an authentic and meaningful way.
Peer-to-Peer Support – From co-working meetups to business networking, we create spaces where mums can thrive together.
3. Challenging the Motherhood Penalty
We’re actively pushing for real change in the way mums are supported in work and business.
Empowering Mums to Build on Their Own Terms – We create opportunities for financial independence, so mums are no longer held back by outdated workplace structures.
This International Women’s Day, Take Action with Us
It’s not enough to simply celebrate women today. If we really want to see change, we need to act.
Here’s How You Can Get Involved:
✔ Support a Mum-Led Business – Choose to shop from, invest in, or amplify a business started by a mum.
✔ Join Mums Who Build – Whether you’re looking for business support, financial advice, or a network of like-minded mums, we’d love to have you in our community.
✔ Come to Our Events – We’re hosting our headline event in June in partnership with NatWest Accelerator, Mettle Bank, and Baby2Body to bring together mums in business and work. Check out all our events and workshops here
✔ Tag a Woman You Admire – Let’s use today to lift each other up. Who in your life is making an impact?
Together, we can accelerate action and build a future where gender equality isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality.
🚀 Let’s not wait for change. Let’s build it together.
💥 #MumsWhoBuild #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #WomenWhoBuild #FinancialEmpowerment
Join Mums Who Build – A Community for Mums Who Want More
Mums Who Build is a UK-based community designed to help mums on maternity leave, working mums, and mum entrepreneurs create financial security through business-building, freelancing, and career growth. We provide hands-on workshops, networking events, and financial education to support mums navigating motherhood and work. Whether you're looking to start a business, grow a side hustle, or return to work on your own terms, we offer the resources, tools, and connections to help you succeed.
💡 Ready to take action? Join our growing network of ambitious, supportive mums and build a future that works for you.
