BY EUNICE EMEYAZIA
Members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, South South, has stressed the need to constantly show care to mothers as they aged.
The all women group stated this in a Mothers Day message jointly signed by the Vice President of NAWOJ, South South, Comrade Uduak Obeten and Secretary, Comrade Eunice Emeyazia.
The female journalists said a Mother is the “Heart” of the Home, functioning as chef, Housekeeper, event planner, health care provider, finance manager, counsellor, first educator and mentor; adding that mothers play a critical role in determining how the future of the next generation would be.
The NAWOJ South South leaders enjoined families not to abandon their mothers, especially as child bearing responsibilities and age begin to take a toll on them, appealing to citizens to reward their efforts and enhance their living conditions.
They frowned at a situation where children neglect the welfare of their parents, only to spend lavishly on their burial, and urged everyone to reach out to their parents consistently with whatever was available, as no one knew the hour of death.
The Women Journalists called for an end to all forms of violence against women, universal access to education, where the potentials of women to contribute to broader development would be unlocked, provision of support for mothers in their caregiving work, as well as the development and expansion of family-friendly policies and services that would reduce the workload on women.
While congratulating mothers on this year’s celebration, the NAWOJ leaders advised young wives to create an atmosphere of peace and respect in their homes, so that their husbands and children would look forward to returning home daily, help manage the available resources in their home, bearing in mind the harsh economic realities currently plaguing the nation, develop their multitasking abilities inorder to enjoy their marriage and help build a healthier nation.
They affirmed that setting a day aside to honour mothers, was apt, as it encourages sober reflection on motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in the society.
Eunice Emeyazia