Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the remarkable women in our lives. Those who raise us, those who care for us, those who stand by us – no matter what.
At CARE this Mother’s Day we are also thinking of the incredible women who are navigating womanhood and motherhood in some of the world’s most challenging situations. In Myanmar. In Gaza. In Ukraine. In crisis and conflict-affected countries across the globe.
Women everywhere are the backbones of their families; often making sacrifices themselves so everyone can thrive. But for millions of women, and mothers, around the world, their experience is marked by additional unimaginable hardship and danger.
Sumayya is raising a village
This Mother’s Day, we’re thinking of women like Sumayya, who has brought together women and children in the face of adversity in Gaza.
She did not have much before the conflict, running a home-based hairdressing business from her home in Beit Lahi refugee camp, but she had enough to put food on the table.
After being displaced multiple times during Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, she began a small bread baking business with other women and orphaned children whose lives had also been completely upheaved.
Together, they make bread, pastries, and cakes which helps them cover their most basic needs and feed the community.
“I started gathering the women and help them all, those who are widowed or with no husband or anyone to support them - especially if they can’t buy flour or food.
“They are all are in the same situation as me, with no money, unable to get through this life. I stand with those women, treating them like my own sister.” - Sumayya
Suzan is caring for her own mum
We’re thinking of women like Suzan, who was born disabled and is the sole caretaker of her elderly mother in Turkey.
The pair lived together in a small home which collapsed in the aftershocks of the 2023 earthquake. Suzan and her mother shared a tent in front of what remained of their house.
They created space and privacy for a shower stringing up carpets, draping a plastic sheet over their tent to prevent rainwater from leaking inside.
A year after the earthquake, Suzan and her mother were able to move to a container home together.
Khawla did not choose to become a mum
We’re thinking of women like Khawla, whose childhood dream to become a counsellor seemed to fall out of reach when she was married off as a teenager in Jordan.
At 17 she fell pregnant for the first time, and was left to raise the baby alone as her husband was often at work.
Khalwa’s dream of pursuing education was always at the forefront of her mind, and she wished to tackle issues within her community such as gender-based violence, child marriage and bullying.
When her youngest child was five, she began volunteering in her community, before embarking on a youth work course. Now, she works with local children teaching them about adolescent reproductive health.
“My childhood was a beautiful experience. It had innocence, love, family and safety. But when I met [my husband], that all changed. His grandmother managed to convince my family; and then they convinced me, to get married. I wasn’t fully on board but, at that age, I couldn’t make my own decisions.”
Mother’s Day: Let’s stand with women
These women face the challenges of juggling caring responsibilities, holding down jobs, and planning for the future – just like every woman. But often they do this whilst also navigating danger, displacement and uncertainty.
They are hit hardest by conflict and disasters, and worst by cruel aid cuts, and yet they are often the first to pick up the pieces and carry their families and communities through crisis. To lead the fight to end inequality and poverty.
It’s up to us to stand with them, on days like Mother’s Day and every day.
