Mothers for change gather to celebrate Mothers’ day

Mothers from chapters of Gabriela Women’s Party and women from various walks of life gathered today at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani to celebrate Mothers’ day with an alternative cause. With the theme “Mamma Mia: A Tribute for Mothers,” this event brings together women united by the common call for meaningful change.

“What makes this day special and relevant is our unity that springs from the desire for signficant changes in the various aspects of our lives. Mothers bear the brunt of the daily woes of the family, with the burgeoning impact of joblessness and lay-offs and violation of their rights. Today, they go out of their homes to speak about their hopes and aspirations while enjoying songs, dances, and poetry,” said Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela Women’s Party

Artists Bibeth Orteza and Melissa Mendez were joined by mothers of victims of enforced disappearances Edith Burgos, Erlinda Cadapan and Empeno, as well as mothers from the urban poor, workers, Moro and overseas Filipino workers sectors.

“This desire for meaningful change is being articulated through actions, including the mothers' active participation in the 2010 elections,” Maza added.

The highlight of this event is the symbolic offering of ladles and roses. The women group said that these represent the aspirations of women for decent living, and gender equality in these times of global economic crisis.

“These especially represent the ever alive and burning passion of mothers to serve not only the intimate circle of one’s family but encompassing the community they belong to, and thereby promote relevant change in society,” Rep. Maza said.

Maza added that they are the mothers who live and struggle beyond child-rearing and household chores. “Thus, may this moment bring more women to be with us in working on the changes we seek, mostly in our socio-economic and political conditions,” she added. #