PEACE-MAKER
As we honor mothers worldwide this Mother’s Day, it is essential to extend our tribute beyond the traditional roles of motherhood to encompass the extraordinary women who lead nations with vision, grace, and strength.
These women, often called “mother” of their countries, embody the nurturing spirit of motherhood while shaping policies, fostering progress, and leading their nations through challenges.
From heads of state to community leaders, women play pivotal roles in shaping societies. Their leadership is not just about governance but also about guiding, protecting, and empowering their citizens, much like a mother who nurtures her children.
Across the globe, women are breaking barriers and redefining leadership. They are shaping the world in profound ways.
However, it is not just those in prominent political positions who deserve recognition. Women activists, educators, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs contribute tirelessly to the betterment of their communities.
In recent years, feminist movements have expanded their agenda of equality. Their efforts have expedited the dismantling of the traditional patriarchy – the system of male authority – and eased women’s integration into the global community.
Politically, the feminist campaign had focused on acquiring the vote for women; on extending the range of legislation to assure equity in their treatment by the law; and on winning women the full rights of citizenship.
The suffragist battle had been won. It had been long-drawn and hard-fought. In Switzerland, Belgium – and even France – women were not enfranchised until after World War II.
The suffragist movement has produced iconic women-politicians in many countries.
They include Margaret Thatcher in Britain; Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Kamala Harris – the first Asian-African-American and first woman to be elected vice president - in the United States; the formidable Angela Merkel in Germany, undisputedly the first among equals in the leadership ranks of the European Union during her incumbency as chancellor. Before them, we had Eleanor Roosevelt and with the founding of Israel, Premier Golda Meir.
In Asia, we had Indira Gandhi of India’s founding Nehru family; Sirimavo Bandaranaike, thrice Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the first woman in the world to hold the office; Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, the first woman prime minister of Pakistan and in the Muslim world; Cory Aquino and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines; Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia; Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand; the indomitable Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar; and Sonia Gandhi, the low-profile but tough-minded longest-serving leader of India’s National Congress Party.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us extend our tribute to these remarkable women leaders who embody the nurturing spirit of motherhood on a global scale. And let us continue to support and empower women in leadership, recognizing that their contributions are essential for the peace, progress, and prosperity of the world.
Most of all, on this Mother’s Day, let us take a moment to honor the remarkable women in our lives – our own mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, aunt, sister. They have shaped our own lives with unconditional love, nurtured us with unwavering devotion, and inspired us with their strength, wisdom, and grace.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers.