While maternal health is one of the social issues I care about most, the “No Mother’s Day” Campaign (created by Every Mother Counts and supermodel Christy Turlington) just makes me sad. Not to mention, I’m a bit frustrated at such a lost opportunity.
The campaign asks mothers to refuse to respond to phone calls, texts, e-mails or update social media status on this lovely Mothers Day. From an article in the Daily Beast, Christy explains:
“We’re asking mothers to refrain from such communication for one day to remember the thousands of mothers who have been forever silenced unnecessarily due to complications with pregnancy or childbirth.”
Let’s think about this for a moment. If a bunch of American guys were to get fired up about a major injustice happening to men in developing countries, I doubt they would ask their buddies to emotionally withdraw on Father’s Day as their sole campaign strategy. Just sayin’…
Often people with a lot of money or fame have wonderful intentions. Sometimes they just really want to make a difference and are willing to lend their face for the sake of social progress. But I really wish they would think through their efforts and use their power and influence to do something with lasting impact.
But bringing silence to an already swept-under-the-rug issue? And asking women to refuse loving communications from their families because other women have died during childbirth? I don’t get how either one positively changes anything.
I find martyrdom to be a concerning approach to social change. And there is something very wrong with attempting to match people’s pain as a way to inspire world healing.
For those of us with privilege (and this is you to some degree, assuming you have running water and live on more than $2 per day), start by recognizing it. Then use your privilege for good. Utilize your votes, your freedom and your checkbook to be the advocate for people who need it most.
And by all means, DO NOT BE SILENT!
On this Mother’s Day, if you care about maternal mortality then ask for donations to the nonprofit Saving Mothers. Donate your Facebook or Twitter status to make your request. Get educated on the issue, then talk to your friends about it. Get them as riled up as you are. Volunteer your time to help organizations working towards making childbirth safer for women across the globe. Do something, grow something, start something…
Throw down Gandhi style and BE the change!
I know I’ll be calling my mom tomorrow (the two of us pictured above) to show my gratitude for the choices she made and the examples she set, which inspired me to become the woman I am today.
If you are a mom, please accept that phone call from someone you mothered. And when they inevitably say “THANK YOU” please know that just being a woman who gave maternal compassion to another is itself a world-changing act of love.
Happy Mother’s Day.
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