13.09.23
18-19 September 2023 sees the convening of the SDG Summit taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York. Here at MMM, we believe it is time to re-commit and put mothers at the centre of our efforts to realize the SDGs.
With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the midway point, it is an important moment to take stock. The Agenda, though a promise and not a guarantee, is at this point, according to the UN, in deep trouble, impacted by multiple global crises: climate disasters, economic downturns, armed conflicts and the residual effects of Covid-19.
Directly affected by the 2030 Agenda and most of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mothers also have the potential to be essential partners for their implementation. They are agents for change in creating a better world for their children and families and the wider community.
If adequately recognized, educated and supported, mothers can be a powerful force for good as changemakers – and positively contribute to many of the Sustainable Development Goals.
We invited some of our members working on the ground for and with mothers, to speak directly to the Summit, on the issues that most concern them.
Here is a selection of their comments both recorded on video and submitted in writing. It is our hope that their grass roots work will bring them the attention that could lead to the systemic change so necessary for realizing the 2030 goals.
Europe
–
“A society that forgets the most fragile, the unborn child/pregnant woman, cannot make progress towards social justice objectives” – Marie-Nöelle Couderc, La Maison de Tom Pouce, France
“We need an inclusive economy that welcomes all types of companies & businesses and recognizes independent workers and small businesses run by women” – Camila Rodrigues, Mulheres a Obra, Portugal – Video message
Africa
“Development works when everyone participates” – Claire Thibaut, Mothers and Midwives Support, RDC – Video message
“More investment is needed in the social empowerment of families, particularly in Africa” – Jean Bolly, AJAD, Côte d’Ivoire – Video message
“In Burkina Faso, when all women have a job, living conditions will change to help realise the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals” – Sœur Marie Louise Sawadogo, Association des Augustines du Saint Esprit de Kaya au Burkina Fasso
“In Morocco, it is important to work on all women’s rights in general, including those of single-parent families” – Mahjouba Edbouche, Ahddane, Morocco
Asia
–
“In Nepal, access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities will unlock the doors to progress and prosperity, empowering future generations to become leaders and innovators” – Mohan Dangal, Child Nepal – Video message
“Cheap labor is unrespectful, creates hunger and impacts future generation of workers physically and mentally” – Nazma Akter , AWAJ Foundation, Bangladesh – Video message
On the topic of mothers and SDGs, see also:
→ Empowering mothers to achieve the SDGs, our written statement to the 2019 UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) and the subsequent look-back article, Huge challenges remain for the realisation of most SDGs – How about empowering #Mothers4SDGs?
→ Prioritizing SDG 5 Target 5.4 to recognize the work of mothers and advance all the SDGs, our written statement to the 2022 HLPF
→ Addressing SDGs 3&4 through Emotional Intelligence
11.10.23
UN Geneva, Human Rights Council - Entitled ‘Centrality of care and support from a human rights perspective’, this landmark resolution was presented by the governments of Argentina, Iceland, Mexico
09.10.23
In June this year, the European Union (EU) Commission announced a new high-priority initiative to address the mental health of all Europeans.
13.02.24
UN New York, CSocD62 - MMM's intervention to the Commission on Social Development reiterates that investing in mothers through recognition, education, protection and adequate support is a smart invest
09.07.24
Mothers play an essential role in families by ensuring their loved ones are nourished, educated, and healthy, but their unpaid care work often leads to economic and social injustices, known as the motherhood pe
02.07.24
UN New York / HLPF - Register now to join us online at this year’s High Level Political Forum side-event.
20.06.24
UN Geneva, Human Rights Council - MMM was invited to contribute to a side-event organised by Widows Rights International to discuss the unique challenges faced by widows who are mothers, while continuing to sho
19.06.24
UN Geneva – A resolution aimed at strengthening the right to education in international legal instruments will be negotiated during the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, which began on 18 June. This r
16.06.24
UN Geneva, 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) – MMM contributed to the discussion on the International Labour Organisation Director General’s report calling for a new social contract.
16.06.24
UN Geneva – A general discussion on decent work and the care economy was on the agenda of the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC), which took place over the past two weeks. MMM was there, providing in