Sania Mirza
Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza recently offered a heartfelt and unfiltered perspective on the realities of motherhood, gender roles, and the emotional labor carried by women in parenting during her appearance on Masoom Minawala’s podcast.
Known not only for her trailblazing achievements on the tennis court but also for being a vocal advocate of women’s empowerment, Sania used the platform to shed light on the often-unspoken burdens that come with being a mother.
During the candid conversation, Sania emphasized that motherhood is rarely, if ever, an equal partnership. “A mother always ends up doing more,” she stated firmly, adding that this dynamic isn’t confined to any particular culture or society. “This is a norm, not just in one place or country but across the world.”
Her comments have struck a chord with working mothers globally, many of whom relate deeply to the feeling of constantly being expected to ‘do it all’—at home and in the workplace.
Sania, who was previously married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, has long been a revered figure across both India and Pakistan. Her life has often played out in the public eye, and through it all, she has consistently spoken up about the expectations and pressures faced by women—especially those in high-profile, high-performance careers.
Her insights add to the growing conversation around the gendered imbalance in parenting roles and the social norms that continue to place a disproportionate share of caregiving on mothers.
By opening up about her personal experiences, Sania Mirza continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for countless women. Her message encourages mothers to embrace their journey unapologetically, while also advocating for more equitable support systems at home and in society.
In a world where the emotional and physical labor of parenting is often undervalued, Sania’s voice serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and leadership women bring to every sphere of life.

