As we gear up to celebrate International Women's Day, it's fitting to take a moment to reflect on the unsung heroes who form the backbone of our society: mothers. While our history books may be filled with tales of conquerors and kings, it's crucial to acknowledge the immense contribution of mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and all the mother figures who shape our world.

Motherhood, often thought of in terms of private domesticity, is in fact the very foundation upon which civilizations are built. From time immemorial, mothers have been the architects of our societies, nurturing and guiding the next generation with boundless love and unwavering dedication. They are the true visionaries of our world, passing wisdom and stories from one generation to the next. From the first moments of life, it is the first nurturers, usually mothers in all societies across the world, who are infants’ first partners in the dance. The dance is the complex exchange of ideas and understanding between two people, beginning at the beginning between parent and child. The dance is where infants learn who they are, where they learn to impact others, and it is the foundation of empathy. The dance is where mothers help create positive identity among the next generation.

As we gear up to celebrate International Women's Day, it's fitting to take a moment to reflect on the unsung heroes who form the backbone of our society: mothers. While our history books may be filled with tales of conquerors and kings, it's crucial to acknowledge the immense contribution of mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and all the mother figures who shape our world.

Motherhood, often thought of in terms of private domesticity, is in fact the very foundation upon which civilizations are built. From time immemorial, mothers have been the architects of our societies, nurturing and guiding the next generation with boundless love and unwavering dedication. They are the true visionaries of our world, passing wisdom and stories from one generation to the next. From the first moments of life, it is the first nurturers, usually mothers in all societies across the world, who are infants’ first partners in the dance. The dance is the complex exchange of ideas and understanding between two people, beginning at the beginning between parent and child. The dance is where infants learn who they are, where they learn to impact others, and it is the foundation of empathy. The dance is where mothers help create positive identity among the next generation.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the profound and far-reaching impact of motherhood. Yet, scientific research consistently reaffirms what our hearts have always known: loving relationships are the lifeblood of humanity. It is through the tender embrace of a mother that infants first learn the meaning of trust, care, and connection. These early lessons form the bedrock of our social fabric, shaping the way we interact with one another and navigate the complexities of life.

But the influence of mothers extends far beyond the confines of the nuclear family. They serve as the pillars of support for entire communities, offering guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love to all who seek it. Grandmothers and aunties, too, play an indispensable role in this ecosystem of care, passing down traditions and values from one generation to the next.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's crucial to recognize that the true infrastructure of our society lies not in concrete structures or technological advancements, but in the hearts and hands of mothers and mother figures. They are often the silent architects of progress, shaping the destiny of nations with every lullaby sung, every tear wiped away, and every lesson learned. Mothers, and all nurturers, raise scientists in the play room, visionaries at the art table, spiritualists in the great outdoors, teachers in the rocking chair, and the next generation of loving parents at the dinner table.

Of course, this is not to diminish the important role that men play in our society. Dynamite dads and father figures are essential partners in the journey of parenthood, providing strength, support, and guidance along the way. Policy changes our country makes to improve health, pay, support, and rights of all women and children positively impact men, too, allowing more and more nurturers of all genders to engage in nurturant parenting. So, as we honor the countless women who have shaped our past, let us also recommit ourselves to building a future where motherhood is valued, celebrated, and supported. 

Continue the Convo

Dr. Erika Bocknek, founder of Convo, is a former university professor, family therapist, and mom of 3. She has spent 20 years cultivating expertise in the science of parenting, child development, and couple and family therapy. A well-regarded expert and a superfan of the power of nurturing families for healthy development, Dr. Erika is passionate about bringing science to children and families’ everyday lives.