(Trigger warning: contains a mention of sexual violence) 

Today is Mother’s Day in the U.K., and to celebrate, we are honouring the women who lift us up, guide us forward, and help us lay foundations for our future…. because it starts with her. At mothers2mothers (m2m), we see every day how the right support, at the right time, can change everything—whether it’s a mother’s unwavering strength during a time of need, an aunt offering words of encouragement, or an m2m community health worker (often known as a Mentor Mother) standing by her client through every step of their health journey, these moments of care and connection create lasting change. 

For many of the women and families m2m serves, their journey to good health starts with the compassionate guidance of a Mentor Mother—someone who has walked a similar path and now stands by their side providing health services, knowledge, encouragement, and care. And for many m2m Mentor Mothers, the path to where they are today started with an important woman in their life. 

For Amosa, it started with her mother.  

“When I told her about my HIV status, I was so scared, thinking she might reject me. Instead, she helped me understand that this was not the end of my life and taught me how to be strong for myself and my child. It’s because of her that I am able to stand on my own today. My mother showed me what it means to truly love and care for others. She will always be my role model.” – Amosa 

Today, it starts with Amosa. Amosa is paying that support forward as an m2m Community Mentor Mother in Cape Town, South Africa, where she helps other women and families overcome HIV diagnoses and provides health services and support so they can stay healthy and thrive— work that is now more critical than ever in these unprecedented times. 

For Phumeza, it started with m2m Mentor Mother, Millicent. 

“I am a survivor of rape, which lead to me living with HIV. When I was struggling to accept my HIV status and didn’t want to take my medication, my m2m Mentor Mother Millicent helped me understand that HIV is not a death sentence. She gave me health information and encouraged me when I was feeling lost. Millicent even helped me apply for a job at m2m as a Mentor Mother. This job was a breakthrough for me, it allows me to provide for my two daughters as a single parent.” – Phumeza 

Now, it starts with Phumeza. Inspired by her Millicent’s support, Phumeza became a Mentor Mother herself, helping other women in similar situations to overcome stigma and stay on treatment and in care for the long-term, for themselves and their families. 

For Esther, it started with her aunt. 

When Esther was diagnosed with HIV during her first pregnancy, she feared for the future. 

“My aunt, Sonto, was the first family member I told about my HIV status and she never judged me. She encourages me to take care of myself so that I can stay strong for my kids. She cares a lot about education, and when I told her my son was struggling in some subjects, she arranged a tutor for him. Even though we live far apart, she is always there for us and tells me she’s proud of me.” – Esther 

It also started with Esther’s m2m Mentor Mother, who she confided in when she was struggling with her HIV diagnosis. Her Mentor Mother told her ‘There is life after HIV’ and supported her to take her treatment to protect her baby from the virus. Esther was so inspired that she applied to work at m2m.  

Today, it starts with Esther. As an m2m Linkage Assistant, she is changing lives in her community—identifying orphaned and vulnerable children and adolescents living with or exposed to HIV, connecting them to health care and social services, and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. 

To everyone celebrating Mother’s Day today in the U.K., we wish you a very special day with your loved ones and send our deep gratitude to all the mothers and women who guide, nurture, and inspire us.

It’s not too late to celebrate the women who have shaped your life with a meaningful gift—a donation to m2m in their honour. Your support helps women across sub-Saharan Africa build healthier, brighter futures for themselves and their families. Click here to donate today.