Does Work-Life Balance Exist For Women? Breaking The 'Superwoman' Myth
In a world that expects women to juggle roles with ease, the idea of work-life balance often feels like a distant dream. From managing deadlines to making dinner, women are constantly switching hats-worker, caregiver, partner, daughter-all while trying to keep themselves together. But the question remains: Can women truly manage work-life balance in a male-dominated society?
The Superwoman myth
Society often glorifies the 'superwoman' narrative as if they are born with special powers. Women are expected to work long hours, excel professionally, manage household responsibilities, raise children, care for elders, and still look presentable and calm. And while some can easily say 'This is basic hardship every woman has to go through is she wants to succeed', it is actually not! It is exhausting! But behind closed doors, many women are mentally exhausted, emotionally drained, and physically overworked. The harsh truth? While women are told they can do it all, very little support is offered to help them do so.
"It is time to dismantle the myth of the superwoman and create ecosystems where women can lead, rest, nurture and grow without apology. Whether it is IVF access, menstrual equity or stress management, women entrepreneurs must prioritise their wellbeing as much as their pitch decks. Balance begins in the body and it deserves equal strategic importance," says Dr. Sheetal Jindal, Gynaecologist and IVF specialist at Jindal IVF Chandigarh.
For women entrepreneurs, the notion of balance often masks a deeper burnout especially when societal norms still equate motherhood with martyrdom and entrepreneurship with masculine grit. "From a clinical standpoint, I see more women struggling with hormonal imbalances, chronic stress and fertility disruptions which often stem from the silent pressure to have it all. This is not just a personal struggle, it is a public health concern," she added.
Struggles rooted in gender roles
In a male-dominated framework, expectations are lopsided. While men are often appreciated for contributing minimally at home, women’s efforts are undervalued or considered a given. This imbalance places undue pressure on women, risking their health and mental well-being.
"As a practicing lawyer, I know how unpredictable and demanding professional life can be. Yet I have learned that health is not a luxury, it is a necessity. I grew up hearing my grandparents say 'Jaan hai to jahaan hai' and those words guide me every day. If I am not physically or mentally well, my productivity, clarity and decision-making suffer. That is why I treat health as a non-negotiable priority. I consciously make time for movement, whether it is yoga, a morning swim or a quiet evening walk with music," shared Rhythm Aggarwal, a Criminal Defence Lawyer.
"These habits ground me even when work threatens to spill into every hour. To me, work-life balance is not about achieving perfect harmony daily but about showing up for myself consistently. It means honouring my energy, respecting my boundaries and making deliberate choices about how I spend my time. As women, we do not need to prove we can do it all, we just need to do what matters most for ourselves and our vision. Balance is not a myth if we define it on our own terms," she added.
Prioritising personal well-being
For true balance, women must place their own well-being at the center. This means setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and not romanticising burnout. Regular physical activity, sleep, mental health breaks, and time for personal growth are essential. It’s not selfish-it’s survival.
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