African motherhood is a celebration of the strength, resilience and beauty of African women.
As Remi Akujobi puts it"Motherhood is often defined as an automatic set of feelings and behaviours that is switched on by pregnancy and the birth of a baby. It is an experience that is said to be profoundly shaped by social context and culture. Motherhood is also seen as a moral transformation whereby a woman comes to terms with being different in that she ceases to be an autonomous individual because she is one way or the other attached to another, her baby."
African mothers have played a vital role in the history of Africa. Their strength and resilience is tested by challenges, but they have persevered despite. African culture values motherhood as an important part of life, with many cultural practices surrounding children and families. In many African societies, mothers are also the primary breadwinners, as they are often the ones who are involved in agriculture, trade, and other economic activities.
The role of mothers in African cultures is not just limited to the family and economic matters, though. Mothers are also respected in religious and spiritual matters and are often looked to for guidance and wisdom in matters of faith. Mothers are also important in African traditional medicine, teaching their children about the healing power of plants and using natural remedies to treat various ailments. The role of mothers in African culture is therefore essential and without them, the richness and beauty of African culture would be greatly diminished.
Portrayal of African mothers in society
In a world that often paints African mothers as victims, we have to rewrite those narratives in order to provide future generations with an understanding of the value that African mothers hold in society. The essential role of mothers in African culture has helped to shape the beliefs and values of African society, and provides an essential source of economic stability and job opportunities.
To help to empower women in Africa in their efforts to create impact within their communities you can get started by:
Amplifying stories of inspiring African mothers.
Empowering them with more resources and support from their local governments, as well as opportunities for education and economic independence.
Here are a few organizations that you can support that uplift and empower African mothers;
- The African Motherhood Initiative (AMI) is a nonprofit organization that supports mothers in Africa by providing training sessions on health, nutrition and finance. AMI also hosts an annual conference where participants can share their ideas and experiences with one another.
- The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) conducts research on issues related to women's empowerment around the world; they have published several reports on motherhood in Africa as well as other regions of the globe. These reports include information about how women experience motherhood differently depending on their age group or socioeconomic status; they also provide suggestions for improving conditions for mothers around the world through policy changes at local levels like schools or hospitals."
