Motherhood means love: Mother’s Day quotes from around the world

Motherhood is powerful. From human rights defenders and peace-builders to community leaders and activists, the mothers in Global Fund for Women’s network inspire us every day. As many parts of the world prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating mothers’ strength and courage by sharing some of our favorite quotes and artwork.

While these women are all from different communities and cultures, each of them has a story to share about the importance of motherhood. Many share how becoming mothers changed their lives. Others have become activists for the rights of women and mothers.

At Global Fund for Women, we know that being a mother is connected to how women experience their rights: access to family planning and reproductive justice, maternal and newborn health, gender-based violence, conflict and refugee issues, and more—because women’s personal stories are infused with their unique experience at the same time that motherhood unites so many.

Mother’s Day is an important reminder of the need to celebrate not just mothers, but their fundamental human rights.

Join us in celebrating motherhood around the world this Mother’s Day, and share the inspiration with mothers who inspire you! 

Maya Angelou

Yolanda Moran, Mexico

Anne, Norway

Iffat Arna Arna, Bangladesh

Lusina, Kenya

Alex Sangster

Marta Alicia Alanis, Argentina

Nayyirah Waheed

Share the inspiration with mothers who inspires you! Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Global Fund for Women!

(Artwork credits. For Maya Angelou quote: Artist: Cheryl Braganza; ‘Nirvana’. For Nayyirah Waheed quote: Artist: Jennifer Mourin, Malaysia; ‘Flame of the Forest – Mother Love’.]