An Open Letter To Mothers On International Women’s Day

Dear fellow mama,

It’s International Women’s Day. How are you celebrating your mothers, sisters, daughters— your own motherhood? Like many professionals and feminists across the country, I too was once engrossed in activist movements including women and minority rights. It made me feel like I belonged somehow, that I was finally given a voice.

Since having three children, my focus has shifted. I’m now more concerned with how I can make a positive difference that begins in the home. This is a natural progression for us mothers, because if we don’t accept the harsh truth of motherhood, we can easily become unhappy and unfulfilled in our domestic roles.

The truth is, motherhood doesn’t make us feel like we’re making much of a difference in the world. We spend our days changing diapers, consoling tantrums and cleaning up dried up play doh. Our daily highlights include potty training, uninterrupted naps and not forgetting an item at the grocery store with two screaming kids in tow. The truth is, we mothers spend all day doing these mundane, minuscule things that no one really understands except other mothers who have experienced it firsthand.

Mothers with young children can’t take a day off work, even if we wish to participate in #Daywithoutwoman. Protesting, marching, joining activist groups and attending meetings- these too, are luxuries that many of us can’t afford.

And this harsh truth used to once upset me greatly because I foolishly believed one cannot make a difference behind these four walls.

Today I know the truth, the real beauty of womanhood. While some of us are called to march and protest loudly, some of us are called to march with our sisters in our homes by loving harder and raising better humans. We teach our daughters to never be afraid to speak up against wrongdoing and teach our sons to walk alongside women and be their biggest allies. We teach them respect, self-love and healthy boundaries. We teach them that they can’t change others’ perspectives, but that they can respect differences. And if that difference contains any trace of discrimination like sexism, racism, homophobia— then you speak up in your given role, proudly with a humble heart.

Mothers, we are all making a difference in our little ways. And these are not little ways, these are little monumental ways. Day by day, one human by one human, we are creating a better world for everyone, including women who have been marginalized for too long. (And yes, this is a fact.)

Mothers, we are all making a difference in our little ways. And these are not little ways, these are little monumental ways. Day by day, one human by one human, we are creating a better world for everyone, including women who have been marginalized for too long.

On this day, I support International Women’s Day behind these four walls while my 7 months old naps and two daughters play outside with their friends. I’m currently responsible for the safety of these five precious children and for this, I’m strong. For this, I’m empowered.

Happy International Women’s Day. I can’t take a day off my domestic and maternal duties, but my heart is with all the sisters before and after me. Brothers too– brothers who fought for our rights and supported our fight for equality. Brothers who understand why we need a day like today.

No president or ideology in history, has made a bigger impact than a mother. Let’s continue to make a difference one human at a time– not only today, but everyday.

No president or ideology in history has made a bigger impact than a mother. Let’s continue to make a difference one human at a time– not only today, but everyday.