Mother’s Day: Not all heroes wear capes
In honour of Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating just a few of the many (and soon to be!) mothers who are inspiring others around the world, from the smallest acts to the biggest headlines - each making a difference.
Happy Mother’s Day, everyone, from all at Bright Horizons!
Jo Swinson
Proving that even in the most prominent roles know no boundaries for working mothers, Jo Swinson made headlines last year for not only balancing a career in politics with being a new parent but by showing that it’s okay to do both. Jo’s appearance in the House of Commons chamber during a debate was the first time a baby had been present and sent an inspiring message to working parents everywhere. You go, Jo!
Serena Williams
If competing in Wimbledon wasn’t an achievement in itself, Serena Williams also took on a second role: working mum. Less than a year after giving birth Serena was back on centre court to play for the title while her husband and daughter applauded in the audience.
While she may be an all-star tennis player, as a new mother she is also all of us. After her returning match, Serena said, “To all the moms out there, I was playing for you today. I had such a long struggle to come back and it was really difficult and honestly I feel like if I can do it, they can do it. You can be whatever you want to be if you want to go back to work."
Thank you for the inspiration, Serena!
Meghan Markle
The newest member of the Royal Family, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has excitedly embraced every part of her new role – from attending functions to becoming a patron of a number of charities and groups. And she’s showing no signs of slowing down even at seven months pregnant!
Gender equality is a focus for governments, organisations and individuals around the world and an important focus for the Duchess, too. At the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand, Meghan spoke openly about her commitment to equality for men and women, “I am proud to be a woman and a feminist. In looking forward to this very special occasion, I reflected on the importance of this achievement, but also the larger impact of what this symbolises. Because yes - women's suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness.”
Sophie Ellis-Bexter
Sophie Ellis-Bexter recently welcomed her fifth baby and also completed her eighth album! Delighted with the digital applause it received, Sophie tweeted: “I love making music. I love promoting a new record. I do not love talking over and over about how I sort my childcare. I am a singer. I am a mum. I will sort my childcare. As me something else.”
Sophie’s message resonated with a lot of mums. Fathers typically don’t get asked this question although many fathers are actively involved, and often take the leading role, in raising a family. Challenging gender stereotypes about who works and who cares in public forums is certainly a step in the right direction. And for that, we salute you, Sophie.
Adele
Gender-neutral is a hot topic at the moment and superstar Adele showed how quickly attitudes are changing to imposing labels when her son stepped out in a fantastic (if we do say so ourselves!) Disney princess costume. A simple act, Adele and her son showed that every child is open to all the opportunities available to them, regardless of their gender. By not restricting or dictating rigid expectations, there is no stopping every boy and girl and our future leaders from achieving their full potential and their dreams – whatever they might be!
