Mother’s Day in Palestine is celebrated on March 21; the first day of spring. In my opinion, that date could not be more appropriate to remember and pay tribute to those who have probably suffered and given the most in our struggle for freedom: our mothers. Coincidentally, Woman’s Day is celebrated in Palestine and internationally on March 8, the day on which all women are honoured.

How often have we seen a Palestinian mother cry? Whether over a fallen husband, son, or daughter, or over the injury or imprisonment of her dear ones, or over a demolished house - by a missile or a bulldozer - or even over damaged crops, an uprooted olive tree, or the refusal of her request to cross a checkpoint. How often have we seen a mother with a look of anguish and pain caused by an injustice? Yet, like the freshness and determination of the first day of spring, the Palestinian mother rises to every occasion, licks her wounds, and continues to give without expecting anything in return.

Our national history is full of examples of exceptional women and mothers who stood out because they dedicated their lives to our cause. Samiha Khalil (Um Khalil) is one such great woman who devoted her entire life to helping others. Her efforts were crowned by the building of a solid and sustainable institution called In’ash al Usra in El Bireh which, for decades now, has helped and empowered thousands of victimised women to withstand and overcome harsh circumstances. Hind Husseini, Zlikha Shihabi, Elizabeth Nasir, and Isam Abdel Hadi are but a few names from a long list of women who have left their mark on Palestinian society. In addition, the silent mothers who work tirelessly in their homes raising their children and protecting their families in the midst of the current dire political and social circumstances are also real heroes. It sometimes seems as though the reason for the existence of Palestinian mothers is to look after their offspring, even after they marry them off! Typically, their lives revolve around the welfare of their children.

Social and domestic duties, unfortunately, are not eased for a working mother. Although there are signs of domestic help from some husbands, the norm, however, is still a hands-off attitude towards household chores and the day-to-day upbringing of children, even in urban centres. It is not something to be proud of, but it remains a fact in our society. A mother’s additional status as bread-earner has simply contributed to the burden of responsibility on her shoulders.

A phenomenon that is even more worrying is the perception that some women have of themselves and of what their role should be. If these women would realise that a society cannot develop when half of its members do not participate actively in civic and economic life, we would be much better off today. I remember a conversation with a well-known El Bireh personality about what some older women of his city were saying when Um Khalil ran against Yasser Arafat for the presidency of the Palestinian Authority in the early nineties. In effect, they were saying: “Aren’t there enough men for the job?” In my opinion, proper early education and genuine women’s empowerment should help to get us out of this vicious cycle.

To all of our Palestinian women all over the world, particularly our mothers, we salute you on your day, and we pray that one day we will be able to give back even a fraction of all that you have given to us; particularly your never-ending love and affection.

Sani P. Meo