Mothers shoulder 71 per cent of household mental load, study finds

(L-R) Carolyne Nekesa, Associate General Manager - Marketing, Minet Kenya; Dr. Nancy Kabia, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Aga Khan University Hospital; Naomi Mwangi, Lactation Specialist, Aga Khan University Hospital; and Joyce Gatwiri, Wellness Officer, Minet Kenya, go through an informational flier during Minet Kenya's "Chic and Cherished - A Mother's Day Reawakening" event for members of its Blooming Mums Club. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

A new study by the University of Melbourne reveals that mothers carry 71 per cent of the household's mental load - the often-invisible cognitive labour that keeps homes running.

This includes managing school schedules, planning meals, organising activities, and overseeing budgets. Experts warn this emotional and mental toll significantly affects women's well-being.

In response, Minet Kenya hosted a special event for over 80 mothers from its Blooming Mums Club in Nairobi. The initiative, launched in 2019, supports expectant and nursing mothers, with programs informed by data showing maternity-related issues are a top cause of hospital visits.

"At Minet, we understand that beyond physical wellness, mental and emotional health are vital for thriving families and workplaces, and we go beyond our core business to create experiences that affirm and uplift," said Carolyne Nekesa, Head of Marketing, Minet Kenya.

The event featured a panel discussion, "Owning Your Power: Mothers in Bloom," bringing together psychologists, wellness coaches, and mothers to unpack the challenges of modern motherhood. Panelists highlighted the need for self-compassion, boundary-setting, and supportive networks to tackle the gendered burden of unpaid care work.

A previous American study found motherhood equates to 2.5 full-time jobs - roughly 14 hours a day, seven days a week - underscoring the mental and physical demands mothers face daily.

Beyond the discussion, mothers enjoyed massage treatments, beauty sessions, gourmet meals, and curated gift hampers in a day designed for rest and rejuvenation.

Minet Kenya has since expanded the Blooming Mums Club to include mental health support, financial literacy training, and maternal health check-ins, reaffirming its commitment to holistic care.

"We are proud of the impact we have made so far," said Nekesa. "But we know the journey doesn't stop here and that is why we are constantly evolving to meet our clients' needs in a way that is holistic and forward-looking."