Sunday, May 10, 2026, children and families celebrated Mother’s Day. We celebrated Mother’s Day against the backdrop of an unprecedented crisis facing mothers in Eswatini and beyond. Many mothers are leaders of families in what is commonly referred to as women-headed households. Many are trapped in poverty, yet they have to ensure the survival of their children. Many are unemployed; hence, they eke out a living in informal trade so that they can provide for their families. They face children who are rebellious, and many are trapped in gangsterism and a life of crime. They face evictions from families when their spouses die. Many are part of emaSwati who face chronic hunger. In a patriarchal society, they face discrimination.
What is motherhood?
The concept of motherhood extends far beyond biology; it is a foundational structure that supports humanity from cradle to grave. They are pillars because of their multifaceted contribution to the stability of families and, by extension, communities and countries in general. Emma Paton’s description of motherhood is quite profound: “Motherhood is a rollercoaster ride. It’s a juggle that never gets any easier; you just get better at it. Motherhood means the world to me; it has made me a better person and brought a deeper meaning to my life. Motherhood means family, happiness, love and contentment. Motherhood is a blessing and a gift that not all of us get. It brings out the best and worst in you. Some days are hard, and some days are easy, but the joy of raising small humans is so powerful. Motherhood can be boring and monotonous, yet every day brings something new and I am continually learning more about myself and my kids. They never cease to amaze me with what they learn and how they change each day. It is unconditional love and a protective force that you never knew you had. It means putting your children’s needs above your own. It is madness and chaos and you always need a packet of wipes and rice cakes well within reach!” (Lunamac.co)
Key reasons for celebrating mothers:
It is about recognition of her sacrifice: Mothers often sacrifice their own needs, time and energy to nurture and raise their children, acting as the ‘glue’ that holds families together. They endure pain to give birth and then nurture the child to adulthood. It is the mother who will see that the child needs to be fed, the child is feeling cold or the child is wet, to mention a fee. It is the mother who is the first teacher of a child. Teaching the child to speak in her mother tongue, teaching about acceptable behaviour and teaching the child basic skills like learning how to eat and bathe, to mention a few.It is about celebrating her unconditional love and an opportunity to express gratitude for the unique, often selfless love and support that shapes a child’s development and empathy. This is the love that has ensured families, communities and countries are stable. We honour mothers’ Influence and strength as mothers provide guidance and strength, setting examples that influence children throughout their lives. Children spend a lot of time with their mothers.
Hence, mothers are great educators.
Mothers strengthen families, which are the foundation of healthy families, communities and countries, in general. The social breakdown that overwhelms communities and our country nowadays is a result of broken families, more evident when mothers are absent. The emotional foundation that mothers provide is incomparable. We have seen mothers who, despite lacking material wealth, often provide essential emotional sustenance and stability, acting as the primary source of security for their children.
It is a fact too that mothers’ sacrifice is beyond measure. They often see their children as gifts, accepting personal suffering, exhaustion, chronic poverty and deprivation as the price for ensuring their children’s survival. Many can attest to how their mothers woke up early to sell some goods so that they could be fed. Many have been educated through the sacrifice of their mothers. Mothers’ caring role is hard to quantify. This care often involves endless, uncompensated labour, such as caring for members of their families who are sick. In public hospitals, mothers spend hours looking after their loved ones. Some go to work during the day and then go to the hospital to look after sick relatives. Mothers are unsung heroines of society and deserve recognition and appreciation.
How can mothers be truly honoured?
Let me implore children who have gone astray to have some introspection and, in appreciation of their mothers, abandon bad behaviour that affects their lives and cause their mothers’ pain. Mothers deserve honour and unwavering support, not shame! The American president said: “All that I am and hoped for, I owe it to my angel mother.”
Sunday, May 10, 2026, children and families celebrated Mother’s Day. We celebrated Mother’s Day against the backdrop of an unprecedented crisis facing mothers in Eswatini and beyond.