KUALA LUMPUR: It is never easy being a columnist, and entrepreneur Vivy Yusof, who penned a column about her experience as a mother-to-be in the New Straits Times recently, can attest to that.
The Fashion Valet founder, who penned a column in NST last Tuesday titled “Plan V: I'm Pregnant!” claimed that what was supposed to be a happy pregnancy story became sour, due to stinging criticism from Netizens accusing her of being an “uncaring, insensitive boss”.
In an Instagram post today, the Women's Empowerment Icon 2018 said: "I received a lot of backlash and nasty words. The whole issue was taken out of context - I wrote about my journey and one paragraph highlighted me as an employer not understanding the pains of pregnancy."
She added: "If Netizens had cared to read on, I said that karma hit me because my third pregnancy has been rather difficult and it made me sympathise with women a lot more."
Vivy lamented that Netizens made her out to be a “monstrous employer”.
"I feel that’s an unfair statement because any woman or man working at my company will know that I love them and sympathise in any situation they go through.
"We allow flexible hours for mums, we give mums a day off every month to bond with their child, and we give a lot of leeway if an employee is having any kind of pain, pregnancy or otherwise.
"As an employer, I strive to give my employees the best treatment."
Vivy also mentioned that all pregnancies were different and some had to be hospitalised.
"I mentioned that we should listen to our bodies and our doctors, but this somehow wasn’t picked up by the nasty Netizens.
"There were also comments on me being privileged. This was just purely personal."
Vivy concluded that she believed in the power of women, and that women were stronger than they thought.
"My article was intended to motivate women. But if I failed to deliver that message, I do apologise. Sending love to all."
Vivy's post which garnered more than 60,000 likes and 1,199 comments from Netizens to date, received lots of sympathy and support from Netizens.
Naidrisa said: "Many people missed the point. They just highlight ‘pregnant woman is weak’. They don't even digest the article. I always respect pregnant women who work hard in their careers, like my elder sister."
The Bee Buzzes said: "I’ve been following you for a while because you’re an entrepreneur who is capable and inspiring. I have read your article and I thought it was good.
"People shouldn't be so jealous and jump to conclusions based on one extract. I'm sure we're all educated and capable of looking into the truth.
"There will always be people trying to pull you down. Keep your chin up and keep doing what you're doing."
Siti Zahrah Anuar said: "Be strong Vivy! Just block all the haters!"
Hazniriah said: "How could a person be so heartless as to pray for nasty things to happen to another? May you continue to be blessed and may there be more love around us."