Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, is not just a powerhouse on the tennis court but also an advocate for parents, especially mothers, in the workforce. In a recent Instagram post, Osaka opened up about her experience as a new mom and professional athlete, shedding light on the challenges and the support needed to balance both roles.
In her heartfelt post, Osaka reflects on the past six months since welcoming her daughter, Shai, with rapper Cordae. She acknowledges the newfound appreciation and understanding she has gained for the daily struggles of parenthood. Despite the prevalent societal narrative that suggests motherhood hinders personal aspirations, Osaka celebrates Shai as her ultimate motivator, driving her to strive for greatness both on and off the court.
“Being a parent is hard. As a professional athlete I am no stranger to hard work or early mornings, but the last 6 months as a new mom has given me a whole new appreciation and understanding of what parents do every single day,” Osaka shared.
Recognizing her privilege in having the support to return to work on her terms, Osaka partners with Bobbie, a mom-founded pediatric nutrition company, to advocate for paid parental leave in the United States. She voices concern over the lack of federal paid leave policies, highlighting that while 84% of Americans support paid leave, 73% of parents do not have access to it.
“If passed, the Family and Medical Leave Act would give 12 weeks paid leave, job protection, and guarantee a minimum monthly benefit of $580,” Osaka explained.
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In a collaborative effort with Bobbie, Osaka announces the N.O. Support Grants, offering $580 to 50 families as a starting point towards addressing this issue. While it may not provide a comprehensive solution, Osaka hopes that by using her platform and voice, she can raise awareness and drive change for all new parents in America.
Osaka’s advocacy underscores the importance of supporting parents in pursuing their personal and professional goals while nurturing their families. Through her partnership with Bobbie and her commitment to amplifying the voices of millions of parents, Osaka continues to inspire both on and off the court.
Naomi Osaka in 2024
Now the world no.287, Naomi played her last match on the 15th of February when she was overcome by world no.39 Karolina Pliskova 7-6(6) 7-6(5) in the quarter in Doha (draw).
Until now, during this year the Japanese owns a compiled 3-4 match record.
Naomi Osaka |
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