Mothers run the most demanding start-up: The Family

UN, New York, CSW68, online event – The event “Let’s Change the Narrative: Invest in Mothers,” hosted by Make Mothers Matter alongside the 68th UN Commission on the Status of Women, was a pivotal discussion on the critical role mothers play in both family and societal structures. This engaging online panel discussion assembled a diverse group of experts from non-profit organizations, academia, and the corporate sector to spotlight the essential contributions of mothers, who represent over two billion women globally.

Make Mothers Matter’s Mission

Organized by Make Mothers Matter, this insightful event underscored the organization’s dedication to amplifying maternal voices and advocating for supportive measures that uplift mothers everywhere. Their commitment shines a light on the indispensable role mothers play in fostering societal progress and calls for an increase in support and recognition of their efforts.

Insights from the Panel

The event was graced by the insights of speakers such as Emese Domosi from Mothers Centers International Network for Empowerment (MINE), Farah Arabe of itotheN Consulting, Misty Heggeness from the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas, Michelle Davis of Deloitte, and was expertly moderated by Afaf Abounouadar, the Executive Director of Make Mothers Matter. Their discussions illuminated the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that come with motherhood, emphasizing the critical need for societal and structural support for mothers worldwide.

Empowerment Through Community: MINE’s Mission

A standout contribution came from Emese Domosi of MINE, an association member of Make Mothers Matter, who highlighted the network’s global reach and its mission to empower mothers. MINE connects over 1000 Mother Centers in more than 20 countries, fostering environments ripe for shared parenting, knowledge exchange, and mutual support. 

Emese eloquently spoke on the diverse and critical roles that mothers fulfill, portraying them as adept leaders, skilled in managing finances, navigating crises, engaging in diplomatic negotiations, and championing eco-friendly practices such as recycling and repurposing. Her compelling message was clear: by orchestrating the complex dynamics of household management, mothers essentially spearhead the world’s most intricate start-up venture—the family. The audience was captivated by Emese’s portrayal of motherhood, recognizing it as both a profound and transformative investment.

Economic and Social Returns on Investing in Mothers

The conversation extended into the tangible benefits of investing in mothers, with speakers such as Farah Arabe and Misty Heggeness emphasizing the significant, yet often overlooked, impact mothers have on health, peace, and economic stability. Heggeness is at the forefront of an initiative to quantify these contributions, challenging conventional economic measures and advocating for a more inclusive recognition of the care economy.

Corporate Initiatives Supporting Mothers

Michelle Davis from Deloitte brought a corporate perspective, sharing insights into how companies are beginning to implement policies and programs that better support mothers and caregivers. These include flexible work arrangements, comprehensive parental leave, and mental health resources. This marks a positive step towards creating more inclusive workplaces, though there remains a path forward to fully recognizing and accommodating the unique needs of working mothers.

The Future of Motherhood

The event concluded with a forward-looking perspective on changing societal perceptions of motherhood. Moving away from the unrealistic “perfect mother” stereotype, the speakers advocated for a more authentic representation of motherhood, embracing its diverse realities. This approach aims to foster a culture of empathy and support, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and understanding society.

“Let’s Change the Narrative: Invest in Mothers” served not only as a platform for discussion but as a catalyst for change, urging a reevaluation of how we view and support mothers. Emese Dömösi’s insights reminded us of the incredible complexity and importance of motherhood, urging a collective effort to recognize and invest in mothers as the leaders of the most critical start-up: the family.