Time to recognize that a mother’s #UnpaidCareWorkCounts

^{Photo above: Moldova – Families fleeing the war in Ukraine – UN Women/Aurel Obreja} 

When fathers are at the front, many mothers remain with their children. In Ukraine, many mothers are ripping themselves away from husbands and families to secure safety for their children in neighbouring countries. There have been many stories of courage and solidarity, of women saving children of strangers and getting them to safety at borders, of mothers giving birth in metro subways or underground bunkers…

Within the current world context, MMM will keep advocating for what we need most, in war and in peace, when young and when old: CARE.

^{We thank CartoonBase for their creative support} 

Imagine a world where caring for each other is a priority, valued and celebrated. A world that recognises care as essential to peace and prosperity. A world where the well-being of people is the measure of how well countries develop. A world where the work of mothers caring for and educating their children, even if not financially compensated, is recognised as a fundamental contribution to communities, countries… and indeed to peace and prosperity.

The day when the world is convinced that without the work of care nothing is possible, then mothers from around the world will finally get the recognition they so deserve. The day when men do their share of this vital work, then women and men together will contribute to creating a better and more peaceful tomorrow.

On this day, and every day of the year, we all should celebrate mothers wherever they may be – Ukraine, Afghanistan and everywhere – for the invaluable work they do for their children and families, even when against all odds. It is time for us to become more aware of the value of that care work and give it the recognition and support it deserves.

Anne-Claire de Liedekerke
On behalf of all MMM teams