New Year, renewed commitment: our grassroots members speak out for mothers

From work-life balance to maternal mental health, from peace and education to the recognition of unpaid care work, our collective mission is to delve deep into these issues to advance our work for mothers, and continue pushing for meaningful change.

Our members agree that while the challenges remain immense, our resolve to create a brighter, more equitable future for mothers, and by extension, their families and communities, has never been stronger.

Our President Anne-Claire de Liedekerke is clear in her message when she says “we are proud of our global network of grassroots associations. In 2025, they will continue to make the voices of mothers heard and to defend their right to health, education and resources to care for their children.”

Speaking on behalf of our member in Spain, Fundacion MasFamilia, Mercedes Hernandez, Head of Partnerships & Public Affairs, reaffirms that mothers should be able to “reconcile work and family life so that they can spend quality time with their children while pursuing their careers.” The organisation’s mission is to develop professional programmes that provide greater protection and an improvement in the quality of life and well-being of families.

Moving to the topic of peace and women who are victims of conflict and violence, Evie Lootens, Coordinator for Mothers for peace in Afghanistan, stresses that “Mothers and children around the world deserve peace. Because a culture of peace born in the home, drives us ever closer to a better world for all.”

Fondation Hubi & Vincianne works to combat malnutrition among the inhabitants of the Borgou-Parakou region of Benin. Its Country Director Marcienne Houenou tells us how important it is that “every mother and child have access to a healthy, balanced diet.”

“No woman in the world should be left alone during or after her pregnancy. Taking care of their mental health and offering them quality medical support must become a top priority,” says Elies Van Belle, Managing Director of Memisa, an organisation that Improves the quality of care and access to care for all, with special attention to the most vulnerable populations in Benin, Burundi, Guinea, India, Mauritania, DR Congo and Belgium.

Jean Bolly Kouassi, the Founder and President of AJAD, our member in Cote d’Ivoire, has this strong message: “Protecting mothers from gender-based violence brings peace to homes and communities. Their safety, and autonomy will always be our mission, now and in the future.” AJAD does sterling work changing people’s attitudes to human development. In particular, it aims to raise awareness among those involved in education and empowering women and girls by making their voices heard at decision-making levels.

Over in Madagascar, Aliette Abraham, President of Otitsara, places the emphasis on education. “By educating mothers we transform families and communities. We are committed to investing in their empowerment to build a more sustainable future for all.“

Our member in South Africa, Glow Movement, creates positive change for mothers and caregivers through information, advocacy and service provisions. Amanda Mokoena, Founder & Executive Director: “We are committed to advancing maternal mental health, and to giving mothers the information they need, because informed mothers build stronger families and brighter futures.”

In the Netherlands, Single SuperMom, led by Isra Lee, is doing great things to strengthen the socio-economic position, well-being and network of single mothers. She says: “We continue to fight for a world where 500 million single mothers and their children can live their lives to the fullest. Because we believe they deserve a life where they are financially independent and have a good balance between work and family life.”

In Burkina Faso, Associations des Augustines is represented by Sister Marie-Louise Sawadogo: “We will be the voice of mothers and daughters. They have the right to education to the end, they have the right to fair jobs, and a life free of harassment to fulfil their ambitions.” Their mission is to initiate programmes that empower vulnerable and displaced mothers, mainly widows and single mothers, to provide for themselves and their families through literacy, vocational training, schooling for girls, and preventive health action.

“Our absolute priority, today and tomorrow, is to restore dignity and guarantee the autonomy of the thousands of mothers we support. This is the only way they will be able to bring about lasting change, and promote peace,” say Alain Englebert, Chairman of En Avant Les Enfants in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organisation’s mission is to support  the children and women of Goma as agents of change and peace.

Our associate member in Spain, Fundacion Isadora Duncan, develops initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of life of single-parent families and their real equality with other families. Their Head of Projects, Sonsoles Reviriego Legey calls for “a world where the label ‘single mother’ disappears, where all families, regardless of structure, have equal rights and opportunities.”

In Canada, Yusra Qadir, Chief Programs and Advocacy Officer at Mothers Matter Canada, reminds us that what is needed is a “a mother-to-mother approach that supports refugee, immigrant and Aboriginal mothers. When mothers thrive, children thrive and communities prosper.” The organisation is dedicated to serving socially isolated and low economic status mothers and their families.

In Morocco meanwhile,Ahddane is helping single pregnant women gain the confidence to overcome the difficulties they face in a society that shuns them. Touria Lahmidi says “we are striving for systemic change for single pregnant women, which will give them a genuine work-life balance and enhance their vital role in society.”

The overall message of the video is summed up by Mulheres a Obra in Portugal, a network of working women, mostly mother entrepreneurs, who share information, ideas, and good practices to best reconcile work and family life.

We cheer along with them when they say: “Work-life balance is not a luxury, it’s a right. Let’s design a 2025 where every mother can fulfil her potential.”