When you think of Mother’s Day, what comes to mind? Breakfast in bed, flowers, maybe a handmade card? While these gestures are beautiful, they only scratch the surface of what motherhood means, especially for mums around the world facing poverty, hardship, and injustice.

Amanda Viviers from Compassion Australia shared powerful stories of global motherhood. Her heart for women and families worldwide was clear from the start.

Motherhood Is Universal

The heart of the conversation centered on Mother’s Day, but not from the usual lens. Amanda invited listeners to consider what Mother’s Day looks like in developing nations.

“Every mum wants the same thing,” she said. “To see their children thrive. To be kind. To have opportunities.”

Even in the most difficult contexts, she found this truth consistent.

“Sometimes we forget that,” she added. “Even the mum at the school gate who’s had a rough morning. Deep down, she wants good for her child too.”

The Mums and Babies Project

Compassion’s programs support thousands of mothers and their children across the world. One of their most impactful initiatives is the Mums and Babies program.

“In Bangladesh, I sat on a mat with mothers and babies,” Amanda said. “We cooked together. We talked. We shared stories.”

One moment marked her deeply.

“A mother looked at me and said through a translator, ‘Can you help me be a better mum?’ I had tears in my eyes. I said, ‘I want to be a good mum too. Can you show me?’”

The Challenge of Motherhood in Poverty

For many women in developing nations, motherhood is layered with serious challenges lack of healthcare, domestic violence, and unsafe environments.

Amanda recalled meeting a mum in Bangladesh who gave birth during a typhoon. “She had no shelter,” she said. “We worked with Habitat for Humanity to build her a home.”

And yet, she saw strength and resilience everywhere. “These women are the heroes of their own stories,” Amanda said.

Local Churches, Global Impact

Compassion now partners with over 9,000 churches worldwide.

In places like the Philippines and Uganda, local churches run creative, empowering projects like bike repair shops and sewing programs.

Amanda lit up when sharing one story from Bangladesh.

“A woman received a small business grant through Compassion,” she said. “She opened a coffee shop in the slums. The line went around the corner.”

That same woman proudly invited Amanda and others to her home. “She wanted us to see where she lived. It was beautiful.”

Real Change Starts With Relationship

Amanda’s stories reminded us that change doesn’t come from handouts it comes from relationship, empowerment, and community.

“In the past year alone, 1,096 babies were born into our Mums and Babies program,” she said. “Globally, 34,000 babies are now part of the program.”

It’s a village of women supporting women. They share resources, food, wisdom and hope.

A Mother’s Day Invitation

As we approach Mother’s Day, Amanda leaves us with this: “No matter where you are or what your story is, know this there are women thinking of you. And we all want the best for each other.”