It is said no love is as unconditional as a mother’s. It is a love that transcends boundaries and has no expiry date. 

As the world marks Mother’s Day we celebrate the mother who in spite of the many challenges society throws their way they are able to surmount them and shield the family and society at large. If it were not for the sacrifices mothers make, society would not only be dysfunctional but may cease to exist. It is for this reason that we repay this love and dedication by ensuring mothers have access to facilities and environments that help them thrive. 

The recently released Economic Survey 2022 shows the country is making baby steps with regards to issues that affect women and more so mothers. It is encouraging that the number of mothers who gave birth in hospitals has risen by 5.7 per cent. The sore thumb of teenage mothers is also being addressed with the number dropping by 4.4 per cent having dropped by 16.3 per cent in 2020. 

However, the drop is not significant as a whooping 317,582 teenagers became mothers before their time. Out of this number more than 23,000 were aged between 10-14 years. This is an indictment of society that something is not right. We celebrate our mothers but all indications show society has been unfair to mothers. 

The weekend revelation that the two top political parties have not met the Two-Thirds gender rule in the nominations lists presented to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is a pointer to how we treat mothers and women in politics. Society should not be struggling to meet this modest law. Isn’t it shocking that at the basic governance level only 89 women were elected as Members of County Assemblies compared to 1,362 men. 

In work places disparities still exist in spite of the fact that women are as competent and in some fields more competent than men. Few work spaces are friendly to mothers. Simple but highly effective decisions such as placing breastfeeding rooms for lactating mothers goes a long way to boosting health and confidence of the women. 

Managing the postpartum mental state of our mothers is also a critical policy that the government should come up with. Teachers have increased the maternity leave for teachers from three month to four.  Other employers should consider giving our mothers more time to nurse their babies before resuming work. Let us cherish our mothers for if we empower them, we will have empowered the society.