After spending a holiday thanking our moms, it seems fitting to introduce you to Ana Tajder, host of the podcast “Thank You, Mama.” We’re so proud to work with her and can’t wait to hear her insights at Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Mother’s Day Summit, starting this Tuesday!
Tajder; an award-winning author and journalist with expertise in feminism, immigration, and diversity; launched her podcast last year. She has interviewed women from around the world about the most valuable lessons they learned from their mothers. The podcast won the Hermes Creative Award and dotCOMM Award.
Tajder will be part of the panels “Podcasting for a More Inclusive World,” discussing how to bring more diversity in the podcasting industry; and “Thank You, Mama,” which will tackle work-life balance, motherhood, and managing it all during these “unprecedented times.” Here, she discusses the lessons we learn from our mothers and the importance of lessons in general, inequality and oppressive conditions facing mothers around the world, finding what truly motivates you, and more.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day? What do you hope to share with the world?
I admire mothers and believe they have the power to shape our world for future generations. In my podcast “Thank You, Mama,” I interview women from all over the world about the most valuable lessons they learned from their mothers. I’ve learned a lot about mothers from these conversations and would like to share those lessons with other women.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
The fact that I (and my loved ones) am alive and healthy.
Who is your role model, and why?
My mother. She had two successful careers, was a feminist and an activist, fought for those in need, was an amazing mother, and just spread joy around her. She deeply loved life.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
I am a member of The State of Women—and very excited to be part of this inspiring group.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
In many countries, mothers made the change and entered workforce—unfortunately, the system hasn’t responded with adequate change. To achieve equality, a woman with children needs the support system of health care, child care, maternity leave, and businesses supporting the needs of working mothers. And let’s not forget the many mothers around the world living in poverty!
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
We know that these issues affect women and mothers more than men.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
Women in the West have come a long way and now have the choice of how they want to live their life. This is fantastic, but now we have a problem with “having it all,” especially in countries without a support system for working mothers. It is still very difficult to have a fulfilling career, a happy family life, and time for self-care. On the other hand, there are still too many mothers in other parts of the world who still struggle with basic rights. We still have a lot of work to do!
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Life is short.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
We only have this one life and—as hard as it can sometimes be—it’s magical. Make the most of it!
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
My mother, for the reasons listed before. I try inspiring the next generation through my work: through my books, my essays, my interviews, and my podcast—I’m all about learning (and sharing) lessons.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
The wellbeing of our loved ones depends on our wellbeing. But: Your energy is finite. So be very careful how you use it—and find ways to replenish it.
What are your views on “work-life balance” for women? How should women handle the obligations of both professional and family life, and what messages does it send to the next generation?
I believe a woman (who has a choice) should look deep inside of her and accept what it really is that makes her happy. We don’t all need to have successful careers and a bunch of children and look eternally 20. But also, I really hope we put more pressure on the system around the world to create a better support for mothers. Mothers are changing but systems aren’t.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
When you recognize that true “you” and collect the courage to go after it, the universe aligns. That’s what happened to me.
I believe women only need to get together and share their stories and the lift, the empowerment, the inspiration will happen. We are amazing!
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We’re incredibly inspired by the conversations Ana Tajder has had and continues to have around motherhood, growth, learning, and lessons passed down through the generations. We can’t wait to hear what she has to say this week. Register for the Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Summit today to learn from her and other women from around the world!
