Vision and Mission


“Women bring various powers to the table. One is the power of the purse […] Second, they bring the power of life.
I think that actually giving birth gives you a sense of prosperity, heritage, transmission, that is quite special.
I know it’s going to be controversial but I think maternity is central to making sure that our children inherit something that is sustainable, that they can live in, live with and transmit to other generations.” 

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank
in a November 2020 New York Times interview

 

Click on the image to read our brochure

Make Mothers Matter (MMM), formerly known as Mouvement Mondial des Mères/World Movement of Mothers, is an international NGO established in 1947 at the UNESCO in Paris.

We act through advocacy, network and communication.

Our poles of action are education, health, peace and economy.

We federate an expanding network of member associations and partners active in the field around the world reaching over 10 million mothers globally.

MMM has no political or religious affiliations and can therefore transparently voice the concerns of mothers at the highest level: at the European Union, UNESCO and the United Nations where we have a general consultative status.

Vision

We believe in the power of mothers to make the world a better place.

Mission

We advocate for the recognition and support of mothers as changemakers.

We understand locally, act globally to initiate laws and policies benefiting mothers and families.

We work to:

  • Empower mothers to understand and freely exert their rights and responsibilities
  • Demand respect, autonomy and dignity for mothers in their diversity
  • Emphasise the essential role of a mother in a child’s education and development
  • Include maternity in gender equality
  • Overcome stigma and discrimination
  • Improve maternal and child healthcare
  • Reduce unpaid-work hardships
  • Promote shared family care work with fathers
  • Push for a better work-life balance
  • Champion the role of mothers in peace and security

We adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Beyond the diversity of cultures and socio-economic environments, mothers have a lot in common. Our strength as an international NGO lies in bringing them together, whilst recognising their key role in education, health, economy and peace.

When mothers are heard and respected, informed and supported, they become key partners. And as partners, they must be consulted and involved in development projects, particularly those that directly impact them and their families.

 

Extracts from the Bylaws of Make Mothers Matter

 

Latest News from MMM and its Network

Girls’ education in Côte d’Ivoire: cornerstone of development and the empowerment of mothers

15.11.24

Make Mothers Matter (MMM) visited Côte d’Ivoire to mark International Day of the Girl Child on 14 October 2024. Our UNESCO advocacy team leader, Brigitte Marais, took part in the celebration of this signific

Read more

MMM team leaders on the ground with our grass roots organisations

14.11.24

It’s not often we get to go into the field but when we do, it brings us immense joy to connect with our associate members in person and witness their amazing work, often against the odds.

Read more

Caring for the carers

28.10.24

This International Day of Care and Support, we are calling for change.

Read more

Mothers’ voices at the Human Rights Council

07.10.24

UN Geneva - As the 57th session of the Human Rights Council (9 September-11 October) wraps up, we take a look back at our contributions in bringing the perspective of mothers to multiple discussions that took p

Read more

Mothers and peace in the spotlight

24.09.24

MMM in France - a look back at our high level dinner hosted at the Versailles Town Hall near Paris.

Read more

Local governments, key players in promoting a caring society

21.09.24

UN New York, Summit of the Future - At an event on Caring Territories for the Future: Feminist Municipalism for Equality, Climate Action, Democracy and Peace, MMM highlighted the many ways in which local govern

Read more