“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible” -Marion Garity, writer

I am writing Inspiring Mothers for my daughters, to introduce them to the creativity, compassion and strength of women around the world.

I’m also writing this book because I believe that mothers are the world’s hope for social change; the leaders who will create a world that honors the needs of women and children. For years, I have watched in awe when moms come together and, for the love of their children and community, pull off five star fundraisers and multiple school events – with little to no budget! What would happen if mothers used this same passion and commitment to speak up for children who don’t have access to education or even a school to attend? What would happen if the collective insights, solutions and strength of mothers was unleashed?

Raising two young daughters in a culture permeated with violence and greed, poverty and inequality, I see challenges ahead for their generation. I can’t protect my girls forever, but I can give them opportunities now to learn and grow into confident, compassionate women.

As a parent I see my role is to open my children’s eyes wide to possibility and show them that their voices can, and do, matter in this world. My own mother showed me this, staying personally and professionally involved in issues important to her. She taught me very early in life that if you believe strongly in something, speak up and share your vision, then look for a way to make a difference.

My inspiration as a caregiver also comes from my innate connection with every other mother in the world. In my travels and interactions with parents from different countries, cultures and socioeconomic levels, it is clear how similar we are all at our core. Unique as individuals with different life experiences, most mothers share an unrivaled love for their children and the desire for them to thrive and succeed. I believe when mothers come together to protect and nurture our children, anything can be accomplished. If a woman can create a human being in 40 weeks even while sleeping, imaging what she can create when she is fully awake!

The promising reality today is that mothers are emerging as political leaders and social advocates. Almost half of the legislators in Rwanda today are female (most are mothers), and in some of the poorest countries in South America, key positions in the government are being assigned to women and mothers. In Afghanistan, a mother of three recently ran for president. All over the world, female politicians are proud to declare their role as a mother – and even campaign as a mother. Recently, the first U.S. mother Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi said, “As a mother, I will exhaust every remedy for peace.” It’s a refrain being heard more and more often as mothers step into leadership roles.

A recent UNICEF study showed that in industrialized and developing countries alike, women in politics have been the most effective advocates for policies and legislation that support women, children and families.  The participation of women in local politics can have immediate impact on outcomes for women and children, particularly in the distribution of community resources and in promoting provisions for childcare (UNICEF, Women and Children: The Double Dividend of Gender Equality, The State of the World’s Children, 2007).  

With technological advances, women from around the world are also now able to talk with each other across continents and share their hopes, fears, challenges and successes. Today, as never before, mothers are recognizing that our lives and our children’s lives are inter-connected and we must come together as a collective force to create change in the world. As a mother of daughters, I have such great hope for their futures. I want them to dream big and – and this is the revolutionary part – live in a world that recognizes and supports their dreams, abilities and potential as women, mothers and leaders. Inspiring Mothers is my contribution towards this making this a reality.

~Amie Brooke Nelson