Reimagining Mother's Day: A Personal Reflection on Valuing Motherhood

Mother's Day always brings about a mix of emotions for me. It's a beautiful occasion where we collectively celebrate and honour the incredible women who give their all every single day. We take a moment to pause, express gratitude, and acknowledge the strength and unwavering commitment that mothers embody.

Looking back at history, the roots of Mother's Day trace back to ancient civilisations that honoured motherhood in various ways. In Christian tradition, Mothering Sunday was celebrated as a day to honour mothers during Lent. However, the modern Mother's Day holiday, as we know it today, is largely attributed to Anna Jarvis in the United States.

After her mother's death in 1905, Anna Jarvis campaigned for a day to honour mothers and their sacrifices. She held a memorial for her mother in 1908, and by 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

Since then, Mother's Day has evolved into a global celebration, albeit with commercial aspects. It's a day when we express gratitude, love, and appreciation for the nurturing and caregiving role of mothers in families and society.

It's heart-warming, no doubt.

But as I reflect on this day, I can't help but feel that there's more to be done, more depth to explore, and more challenges to address.

The Modern Mothers Dilemma: What Mothers Truly Yearn For

From my perspective, what mothers truly yearn for goes beyond the traditional gestures of appreciation. It's about being seen, heard, and valued for the unique individuals they are.

Mothers shouldn't have to apologise for prioritising their families or feel guilty about pursuing their professional dreams. They deserve to navigate their roles with flexibility and without the weight of societal judgment or unrealistic expectations.

The challenges that come with motherhood in today's world are real.

Balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities, facing societal judgments, and dealing with administrative hurdles can be overwhelming. Mothers are not just caregivers; they are multifaceted individuals with talents, ambitions, and dreams that extend beyond their roles as parents.

It's time we recognise and honour that.

Overcoming Historical Biases: Valuing Motherhood in a Changing World

Historically, traditional gender roles and societal norms have often undervalued the contributions of mothers outside the domestic sphere. This historical perspective has perpetuated the belief that caregiving roles are less significant than those traditionally associated with men.

The lack of policies and support structures for working mothers has contributed to a systemic devaluation of motherhood. Limited maternity leave, unaffordable childcare options, and persistent gender pay gaps have created barriers for mothers seeking to balance their professional and caregiving responsibilities.

It's time to challenge these biases and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Valuing motherhood isn't just about individual appreciation; it's about rectifying systemic inequalities and recognising the indispensable role mothers play in shaping our communities and future generations.

The Structural Level Of Change

Changing how we view motherhood requires many levels of change.

In terms of the structural levels of change, here are three essential aspects that must occur to impact how we value motherhood:

Policy Reform

Implementing and enforcing policies that support working mothers is crucial.

This includes measures such as affordable childcare options, extended parental leave (for both mothers and fathers), flexible work arrangements, and equal pay initiatives. These policies not only directly benefit mothers but also contribute to creating a more equitable and supportive environment for families.

Cultural Shift

Challenging and changing societal attitudes and stereotypes about motherhood is essential.

This involves promoting shared responsibilities in caregiving and household duties, breaking down traditional gender roles, and celebrating the diverse roles and contributions of mothers in various fields and contexts.

Educating and raising awareness about the value of motherhood and the challenges mothers face can also contribute to a cultural shift in how we perceive and value motherhood.

Empowerment and Support

Providing mothers with the resources, support networks, and opportunities they need to thrive is crucial.

This includes access to education, career development programs, mentorship opportunities, and platforms for advocacy and leadership.

Empowering mothers to have agency over their lives, make informed choices, and participate in decision-making processes that affect them directly can significantly impact how society values and supports motherhood.

Personal Levels of Change

The change does not begin and end at the structural level. There are some very personal levels of change that we need to uncover.

For those of us who are mothers, it means we need to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

We must define what motherhood means for us individually, challenging societal norms and expectations that may not align with our own values and experiences. It's about understanding and embracing the unique value we bring as mothers, recognising our strengths, talents, and contributions beyond traditional roles.

We can start by examining how we ourselves value motherhood:

• Do we acknowledge and celebrate our strengths?
• Are we giving ourselves the credit and recognition we deserve?
• Are we prioritising our personal growth alongside our caregiving responsibilities?
• Are we creating space for ourselves to thrive in the lives we’re creating, without guilt, shame or the burden of expectations?

It's essential to cultivate a sense of worth and empowerment within ourselves, acknowledging that our roles as mothers are multifaceted and significant.

Furthermore, understanding the value we bring goes beyond our immediate families. It's about recognizing the impact we have on shaping future generations, contributing to our communities, and driving positive change in society.

By embracing our individual journeys and advocating for our rights and needs, we not only redefine the narrative around motherhood but also inspire others to do the same.

A Call to Action: Shifting Perspectives for a Better Tomorrow

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let's also reflect on the deeper meaning of valuing motherhood beyond tradition.

It's about taking concrete steps to support mothers in all aspects of their lives. It's about advocating for policies that provide equal opportunities and support structures for working mothers. It's about challenging outdated norms and stereotypes that limit the potential of mothers.

When we support and empower mothers, we pave the way for a more compassionate, thriving world for everyone. It's not just a matter of appreciation; it's a matter of justice, equality, and progress.

Let's reimagine Mother's Day as a catalyst for change—a day when we not only express gratitude but also commit to creating a society where motherhood is truly valued and celebrated every day.