Backlash after inclusion event bars mother with baby

A financial inclusion event is under fire for excluding a mother with a baby, highlighting the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs trying to stay visible in the sector.

Jun 6, 2025
Social entrepreneur Bonnie Chiu, pictured with her baby (Pictured: LinkedIn)
Social entrepreneur Bonnie Chiu, pictured with her baby (Pictured: LinkedIn)

An event on financial inclusion for refugee entrepreneurs has come under fire after refusing entry to social entrepreneur Bonnie Chiu, managing director of The Social Investment Consultancy, because she intended to bring her three-month-old baby.

Chiu’s LinkedIn post describing the rejection sparked a wave of support and frustration from fellow professionals, highlighting the ongoing barriers faced by working mothers.

Zoe Amar, director of Zoe Amar Digital, expressed solidarity, calling the decision “outrageous,” while Hannah Underwood, a nonprofit leader and community builder, added: “I breastfed through many board meetings… it’s completely doable if you feel it’s right for you and your baby. And you’re the only one who should make that decision.”