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

Ensuring Work-Life Balance: The EU’s Commitment to Supporting Parents, notably mothers, and Gender Equality

19.03.25

At the latest EPSCO Council (Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs), the Council of the European Union adopted groundbreaking Conclusions aimed at addressing work-life balance and promoting ge

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Breaking the Cycle: Gender Equality as a Path to Better Mental Health

18.03.25

The Council of the European Union has taken a decisive step in recognising the vital connection between gender equality and mental health.

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Championing Mothers’ Rights at the UN Human Rights Council

18.03.25

UN Geneva - The 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC58) provided a crucial platform for advocacy, engagement, and collaboration on pressing human rights issues. MMM representatives made significant

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The voice of Mothers: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Numbers

12.03.25

On 11 March, MMM unveiled its State of Motherhood in Europe 2024 Survey in an interactive webinar. Three expert panelists and an engaged audience commented its most striking results presented by Angela Garcia,

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Motherhood: The Unfinished Business of Beijing

09.03.25

UN New York - The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) is a landmark global policy document focused on advancing gender equality and women's rights, and is considered one of the most comprehensive

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Supporting Mothers with Disabilities: A Call for Enhanced Care and Resources

06.03.25

Mothers with disabilities face many challenges in a world that is physically, socially and structurally inaccessible. Their struggles often go unnoticed and underappreciated which results in vast misconceptions

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