Inspiring: Mothers who take care of their families and run a business

Once a doctor, Shahirah gave up practising to spend more time with her children.

It's Monday afternoon, and Shahirah Mohd Hassan is in the middle of quashing a titanic tantrum. Her daughter Nabeeha, four, is cradled on her lap, filling the house with the force of her wails. Her sister Salsabilah, eight, tries not to roll her eyes, gingerly adjusting the toy tiara on her head.

“This happens every day,” Shahirah says, sighing. Nabeeha’s sobs are subsiding, but she sniffles as she accuses her brother Saiful, one, of starting the fight. The little boy has disappeared into another corner of the hall, escaping his sister’s wrath.