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

Financing for development: time to invest in Care and Wellbeing

06.07.25

From 30 June to 3 July, Make Mothers Matter was in Sevilla, Spain, for the 4th UN International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). Here’s a look back at this major UN event and the key takeaways

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Financing for development matters for mothers

05.07.25

Following the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla, Spain, we explore why Financing for Development is critical for mothers around the world.

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Recognising Unpaid Care Work and addressing Its Unequal Distribution: A Key Step in Tackling Informal Employment

15.06.25

UN Geneva – At the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC), Make Mothers Matter (MMM) brought the perspectives of mothers and other unpaid caregivers to two key agenda topics: the transition to formal emp

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Make Mothers Matter calls for action on Maternal Mental Health at EU Summit

07.06.25

As part of European Mental Health Week, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) András Kulja and Zoltán Tarr (both EPP) hosted a two-day Mental Health Summit on Prevention and Recovery in Modern Society 

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Parents as Partners in Education
Our member EPA: Celebrating 40 Years of Advocacy

07.06.25

Make Mothers Matter was delighted to celebrate and participate in the 40th Anniversary and International Conference of our member, the European Parents’ Association (EPA), hosted by the European Economic and

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Motherhood and the Beijing Agenda – a retrospective

10.05.25

UN New York – The 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). This landmark global policy document was adopted

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