Growing up, Mother’s Day usually consisted of making my mum breakfast in bed and proudly presenting her with some animal creation made out of clay or Paddlepop sticks that bared a striking resemblance to some sort of natural disaster. My mum would always smile, hug and thank me as she knew that amongst these small acts, was a loving appreciation for everything she had done for me.

As I have become older, not only have my gift choices for Mum changed, but also my understanding of what this day means. I have realised that Mother’s Day is not only a celebration of what my mother has done for me but it’s a celebration of the uniqueness, skills and value mothers bring to all aspects of society and the world. It is not a celebration just for me, but for everyone.

Talking with Opportunity International Australia’s Chief Financial Officer, Karen Kandur, we explored the idea of mothers in the working world.

Women and girls make up approximately 50 per cent of the world’s population, with a high proportion of women being mothers. “It makes economic sense to have women and mothers participating in the workforce. It’s better and more secure for the economy,” says Karen.

If we look at numbers like this, it makes undeniable sense that if we have a larger proportion of women generating an income and contributing to the economy, the economy becomes stronger. But, what else do mothers bring to the workforce that makes the economy and society more resilient?

Karen suggests that mothers play a vital role in helping future generations to thrive. When she talks about becoming a mother for the first time herself, she said that her motivations to continue her work at Opportunity didn’t change, but she also developed an extra drive; a drive to provide a good future for her daughter and her family.

Karen then explains that through her work with Opportunity, she has seen time and time again a similar drive from mothers living in poverty to provide for their children. These mothers often have an accepted understanding that they may live out their lives struggling to survive. Yet, there is an unyielding determination for this to be different for their children. Their drive to work and create a steady income often comes from wanting to make sure their children are fed, clothed and educated. There is a strong desire to ensure their children are equipped to live better lives.

The drive to provide a future for their children makes mothers powerful leaders in creating a society and economy that is more resilient, stable and can also thrive.

Opportunity loan recipient, Orpa, with her children.

Karen also explores her own experience of becoming a mother. Since giving birth to her daughter and returning to work, her ideas, understanding and approach have changed when working with colleagues who are also mothers. She said she is now more able to appreciate the needs and requirements that mothers might have in order to succeed in the workplace. This type of empathy often filters through communities and helps build resilience. And when working with mothers living in poverty, this type of empathy becomes paramount. If we have a strong understanding of what those in our community might need or require in order to thrive, then we are better able to equip them and ourselves with the appropriate skills and tools.

This Mother’s Day, I may not have a clay animal to give to my mother, but what I do have is an overwhelming appreciation for the drive, determination and empathy of all mothers to help their communities thrive and become resilient. It is inspiring and empowering.