Europe Must Listen to Mothers: Our landmark report heads to the European Parliament
28.08.25
On 22 September 2025, the voices of mothers will take centre stage in Brussels. For the first time, Make Mothers Matter (MMM) will present its State of Motherhood in Europe report at the European Parliament, urging EU leaders to take urgent, concrete action to support mothers and families across Europe.
→ Register now
Mothers at the Margins of Policy
Despite carrying the daily weight of care, work, and responsibility for the next generation, mothers are too often sidelined in the very policies that shape their lives. Backed in the field by global research firm Kantar, MMM’s landmark survey of nearly 10,000 mothers across 11 EU countries and the UK lays bare their struggles:
- 1 in 4 women say motherhood has hindered their careers
- Maternal mental health challenges are widespread, even in countries with strong family policies
- 1 in 4 fathers do not take their entitled paternity leave
- 41% of mothers say their unpaid care work goes unrecognised
“This isn’t about sympathy — it’s about strategy,” says Afaf Abounouadar, Executive Director of MMM. “If mothers aren’t thriving, Europe isn’t thriving.”
A Public Issue, not a Private Struggle
The European Parliament event, hosted by MEP Maria Noichl (S&D), will bring together policymakers, experts, the private sector and civil society leaders to tackle two critical themes:
- Juggling Care and Career
- Navigating Maternal Mental Health
Confirmed speakers :
- Dominic Richardson, Learning for Well-being Foundation
- Christa Schweng, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
- Sabine Saliba, Eurochild
- Ibone Olza, European Institute of Peri-Natal Mental Health
- Sylviane Balustre-d’Erneville, Engage & Care Corporate Coalition
- Irena Moozová and Lorena Boix Alonso, European Commission
The discussion will be moderated by Julie Foubert (Be the Change) and Dr Alain Gregoire (Global Maternal Health Alliance & UK Maternal Mental Health Alliance).
👉 View the full agenda here.
A Call for EU Leaders to Act
With the presentation of the report, MMM calls on EU leaders to commit to systemic reforms that truly value motherhood, including:
- Greater investment in maternal mental health
- Formal recognition of unpaid care work
- Supportive, gender-equal workplace and family policies
“This is not a women’s issue. It’s a Europe issue,” Abounouadar stresses. “And the time to act is now.”
→ Register now
→ More information on our State of Motherhood in Europe 2024 Survey here
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