Stories
Themes
Love
Relationships in changing times. See the Stories>>

Money
Working women talk finances. See the Stories>>

Culture and Conflict
Are we destined to disagree? See the Stories>>

The Future
Envisioning the next 30 years. See the Stories>>

Highlights
Highlighted stories in film, art, music and more. See the Stories>>

War & Dialogue
Speaking from war. Advocating peace. See the Stories>>

Young Men
Our generation: young men speak out. See the Stories>>

Motherhood
Women get candid about pregnancy, parenting and choice. See the Stories>>

Image and Identity
Appearances aren't everything, or are they? See the Stories>>

Online Film Festival
31 films from women directors around the world. See the Stories>>

A Generation Defined
Who are young women today? See the Stories>>

Best of Contest
You came, you saw, you voted. Here are the winners. See the Stories>>
Conversations
What Defines Your Generation of Women?
selected theme



HOME  |   EXPLORE OTHER THEMES     |   STORIES     |  CONVERSATION    |  EVENTS  |  TAKE ACTION  |  ABOUT
Search:  
  GO  
REGISTER  |  LOGIN Change Language»    Invite a friend »
A Day in the Life
Waking up the children, vacuuming the home, looking over homework, a trip to the market, sharing naps and Sesame Street…

All in a day’s work! Mothers world over multitask. But what if in addition to all this they have to struggle to survive? What if every day means not knowing how you can provide your children with a safe home and stable future?

Meet Ruth Natasha from Nigeria who gives us a glimpse into her thoughts as an HIV positive mother. Read Suzanna Camil Ali’s account of her life as a Palestinian mother at the Al’Azzah refugee camp in Bethlehem. As she goes about her day safety, politics and housework all have a part to play. See Justyna Mielnikiewicz’s striking images of Eka’s life. Eka, a half Georgian, half Russian mother struggles to make ends meet for her family.

What is a day in your life like? Tell us your story.
Amy Oyekunle
MODERATOR
Nigeria
It was not so long ago I took ‘time’ for granted. Now, as a mother, wife, up and coming career woman I earnestly long for more time. Time to be with my children, take care of the house, finish my work, time to relax....but more importantly, time to be ME! I don’t know about you but a day just doesn’t seem to be enough anymore.

I invite you to join the conversation and share your experiences about a typical day in your life.


Post a Comment
Conversation Login to Post a Comment | Not a user? Join Now!
20 - 1 of 31 Latest | Previous
shamini chandraprakash
Malaysia
Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 8:22 AM
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS.
Post a Comment
chika ekwugha
Nigeria
Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 5:39 AM
as a single lady, working and schooling in a foreign country, i see my world as a reflection of several things: at sometime, i'm glad to be able to pursue my dreams and aspirations alone because i'm not encumbered with family and especially, children, but at other times, i wonder if it would have been worth the while to have them: even if they'ld retard my drive, at least, they surely would be some form of consolation to me when times get rough.
Post a Comment
Gifty Dzah
Ghana
Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 5:05 AM
Mother, Mothering, Motherhood... I always say women are blessed which ever of these three they are.
Like Mary mentioned it is not easy to be all these and more in a day especially considering all the other work women do but I always believe that when your shoulders hurt not because you have carried things but becuase you feel stressed out... just let go, you dont have to get your blood pressure up or down because you want to out do or over work yourself out.
A night out, eating out, putting your feet up and watching the TV too or going to the pool... helps so much.
For Mothers day: I say to all Mums "Ayikoo"(Ewe dialect in Ghana :meaning congratulations), You deserve more because you are so invaluable, nothing measures to you!
Post a Comment
mary mutupa
Zambia
Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2007 10:30 AM
one of the things l know by now is that its not very easy but one can work out a plan on how to live a balanced life that of a career woman, mother and a wife depending on what kind of a job that you have.is it a job that allow you to have enough time for your family or you can not do anything to have atleast a little time for your family.l think that a woman is Blessed so much that l think of us women as great managers,organizers winners and more.
Post a Comment
Paula Goldman, Director of Imagining Ourselves
United States
Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2007 10:21 AM
The International Museum of Women is proud to host its first Mother’s Day Photo Contest! http://www.flickr.com/groups/imaginingourselves/

With Mother’s Day just around the corner in many parts of the world, why not take a moment to pay tribute to an extraordinary mother in your life by taking her photo or capturing an intimate moment you witnessed on this special day.

We are looking for original and striking images depicting motherhood and what Mother’s Day means to you. We encourage entries from all corners of the world, in both rural and urban settings. We expect to receive images that represent motherhood, maternity, pregnancy, mother relationships and everything in between. Your image need not be taken on Mother's Day, but if you have the opportunity, why not take advantage of it?

Ten winners will receive a free copy of the Imagining Ourselves book, will be featured in a special Mother's Day Tribute section of this exhibit, and may also be featured on our "Motherhood Today!" celebrity blog on Yahoo! Health (http://blogs.health.yahoo.com/intlwomen).

For more information, and to join, visit the contest at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/imaginingourselves/

Happy Mother's Day!!
Post a Comment
shamini chandraprakash
Malaysia
Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2007 9:31 AM
Liz, being a mother is something I really love. I do not mind waking up my two children at 6 o'clock in the morning, get them ready to school, give them breakfast, send them to school, then I go to work, pick them up after school, give them lunch, look into their homework, send them for tuition and music classes, do some revision with them, feed them dinner and with all these....clean the house, cook for them, fold and iron the clothes and the list goes on and on...My husband works 12 hours a day, travels daily to his working place which takes about 1 hour. I do not expect him to help me a lot with the chores. I do most of the things at home.

Life is busy and I enjoy myself spending time with my children. No doubt that sometimes, I myself feel very tired and could not cope with the work load, but then who is going to question you when you do not cook for the day or you do not fold the clothes? Take things one at a time. I feel that it is wrong to blame the children when we are stressed or depressed. Try not to put the blame on the children. It's we; the mothers should be blamed for not being able to cope with things.

Our children are too young to understand what we go through. Sometimes, small children do not understand when we tell them that we are tired. Anyway, as a parent, I think we can educate them to help us with the little things at home, yunno things like washing the plates after a meal, tidy up the room and to keep the toys after playing.

Things will be daunting if you want everything to be perfect and worry too much of little things. Hei...enjoy life and let the children enjoy their childhood. Have a cup of coffee in front of the TV, watching your favourite programme after your children go to sleep, or read a book or magazine...or login into IMOW(It's 12.30 a.m. in my country when I type this comment. My children and husband are fast asleep). We can release our stress by reading and sharing our experiences. You'll be surprised to see that there are common things among all the women when it comes to being a mom...a good mom!!!
Post a Comment
ioana novac
Romania
Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2007 8:55 AM
Since I wrote the story for the "A Day in a Live" section for this amazing exhibit, there were so many changes in my family's live. My husband was send as a foreign correspondent to US and his contract extended for too long. He was not around when Luca smiled for the first time, when he walked with little help, etc. And I decided that, the most important thing in our live is family. I do strongly believe that a child should grow by having both of his parents aside (of course if they still love each other and want to share the joy of having a baby). So, we packed our bags and joined my husband to New York.

Although we lived in NY before and loved the city so much, this time I felt overwhelmed with problems. “How healthy is it to raise a baby in such a big city? Dirt, smog, noise, way to many cars, and noise again…” It is so difficult to find a park to walk Luca quietly, even Central Park (with is huge) is crowded on weekend. Beside this, I have nobody here to help me out from time to time with Luca. And there are so many differences when is about raising a baby here, comparing to the quiet, old fashioned Romania. Beside this, 100% natural, organic food for the little one is almost a luxury. All this cultural differences….And believe me, I’m trying so hard to face all this challenges. I’m doing fine, Luca is happy, we are OK to be all together here, but I can’t stop myself thinking about home, my parents who miss their grandchild and about everything we love over there.

Is anybody else torn between two worlds, with so many differences? How do you do it? I would love o read other mothers experiences and advises.

Best wishes to all of you and Happy Mother’s Day!
Ioana Novac

Post a Comment
Amy Oyekunle
Nigeria
Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2007 7:04 AM
I agree wholeheartedly with Liz that trying to be 100% in everything especially being a mother, having a career is DAUNTING. I used to feel so depressed when I couldn't do it all....sort of like a failure. But a very wise woman told me 'Amy, sometimes you have got to let the house be dirty ..a little dirt won't kill you but the stress and worry you put yourself through just might'. She told me you have to pay for your time, get help...get the convenience of modernity i.e. washing machine etc (still don't have one) :) but I took all that on board and I'm happy to say that (no my house is not dirty) but I've stopped trying to outdo myself and be 'perfect' cause they ain't no such thing. You just hav to enjoy your time with the little ones be the best you can but don't be afraid to say 'you know what I need a break'.

I feel lucky and blessed for that piece of wisdom. I must say I am one of the fortunate ones. Do you know how many women (young mothers) are ticking time-bombs walking around with high blood pressure because of the enournous pressure society and perharps they put on themselves?

Again, I appreciate the fact that I have a very supportive and understanding family and friends. Happy mother's day everyone!
Post a Comment
Liz Steketee
United States
Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 9:52 AM
I am wondering about how all you mothers out there feel about trying to do it all. By that I mean, being a mother, working, keeping the house clean, everyone fed, clothed, and still trying to find time for yourself. I find it next to impossible to do it all, and honestly wonder if it can be done without some price being paid? I am just looking for honest assessments of how others in similar positions REALLY feel about the modern condition of being a mother. Opportunities abound in my world, but putting myself in 100% to everything seems daunting. I keep trying anyway. Anyone else?
Post a Comment
Jessica Resmond
France
Posted on Tuesday, May 08, 2007 10:52 AM
I would like to thank you all for participating in this global conversation and congratulate you for your great work!
For those of you who are in the Bay Area, I invite you to join Camerawork for their enormously popular annual PORTRAIT PARTY on Mother’s Day weekend: May 12th and 13th!
For more information, see our events listing.
Post a Comment
Stephanie Alfonso
United States
Posted on Monday, May 07, 2007 3:09 PM
I am a 19 year old single mother of an almost 2 year old baby boy named Alexander. Since I was little I dreamed of college and a career but I never imagined I would be a mother at the same time! Alexander makes everything so much better and everything I do now is for him. He is my inspiration and I can't imagine my life without him. I currently attend UCSD full time and after I plan attend grad school. Congratulations all mothers for being able to keep up with daily life while taking care of your children!
Post a Comment
DAWN TOMLINSON
Posted on Friday, May 04, 2007 2:44 PM
I just got married for the second time. I have 3 girls from my first marriage and have a 9 year old step daughter with this new marriage. My days are long and commuting is a pain in the neck. After reading the stories of these other women, I feel blessed and fortunate. My life is very easy compared to what they have to endure on a daily basis. I admire their strength, it makes me proud to be a woman.
Post a Comment
Liz Steketee
United States
Posted on Friday, May 04, 2007 9:49 AM
After reading the stories of others, then reflecting on my own, I feel quite lucky to live in what is a safe environment for my children. I often have days the are frustrating and tiring. Perhaps keeping these other perspectives in my mind can ease what I see as my problems. I am constantly amazed at how strong women are, enduring incredible hardships to be able to provide for their children. Inspiring. Now if I could just find a way to get someone to pay me that 134,000$ a year that i deserve!
Post a Comment
Nico van Oosten
Netherlands, the
Posted on Friday, May 04, 2007 1:28 AM
Dear readers,
Just got back from a studytrip to Bangladesh. They are working on equal rights for women and men, domestic violence being one of the core themes. Women are not seen as equal to men. Men are raised to be very protective of women, so they controll them everyday. We spoke to teenage girls and boys, who participated in an educational programma and joined in to be a "change maker". The girls said that since they joined in, they were seen as "normal" human beings. The boys said they could see girls now as equal to them and have a normal conversation.
In the organisation there are a lot of men working. They are making room and space for women. They are very aware of the paradoxical situation: they have to use their power to liberate women and at the same time not be the one in controll!
It was a wonderfull and exiting experience to have Bagladeshi women and men gathered round the table and everyone spoke out freely and had the self esteem to look each other in the eyes. The young girls and boys (14-15 years of age) are the future of Bangladesh. But if that is so, then the older generation who is willing to make the change, are the switch to the future and also the first compass.
Post a Comment
Priya Chalam
United States
Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 5:24 PM
I recently called my mother in a panic...
"How did you manage it mom?" i asked, befuddled, "how did you raise a child on your own, work full time, and put yourself through graduate school?"

I can barely get to work and get home. And when I finally do get home, all I want to do is sleep. The thought of balancing the needs of a child in an already full schedule is mind-boggling.

"It wasn't easy," she told me, "but somehow you always come up with the energy to deal with the situation at hand. You have to."

My mom's day in the life...? It revolved around me. She was lucky, as single-mothers go, given the support she needed from family and friends, but that's not to say she had it easy. She learned as she went. Sometimes she made mistakes. Sometimes small victories. As i suppose i will too.

Post a Comment

Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 4:54 PM
Read Toni Braxton's experiences with having an autistic son on the Imagining Ourselves Yahoo! Health Blog: http://health.yahoo.com/intlwomen/intlwomen/bio/tonibraxton;_ylt=AkutqWuBHD.uWJI4QhPWiXpVgc0F
Post a Comment

Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 4:52 PM
Before joining the International Museum of Women, I worked in a classroom with special needs children. The mothers of these children never ceased to amaze me.

The children were between 3 and 4 years old and so, for many of the mothers, the idea of raising an atypical child was still very fresh. Many of them were grieving the death of a dream. They worried what the future would hold for their kids.

Every parents life revolves around the needs of their children. But these parents took parenting to a whole new level. Many would pick up their children from the special day class where I worked, only to take them to a behavioralist and then to an occupational therapist and then to another specialist with the hope that they would somehow improve their childs situation.

A Day in the life of these mothers wouldn't end when their head hit the pillow. Their minds were clouded by worry about the future, and by feelings of hopelessness about starting the day over again. The work of these parents was never done.

I remember the exhaustion in one mothers face when she dropped her son off at the school. Linus must have had a rough morning. She broke down "Even the most routine tasks, like dressing him up becomes the most challenging and draining hour in my day." I couldn't begin to understand her life but I listened and tried to show her support.

Somehow these mothers cope and approach each day with strength and courage. They do all that they can for their children. They do the best they can.
Post a Comment
Yeimy Walker
Canada
Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 12:22 PM
I must say living in Canada that my daily life seems like the life of a spoiled lady. I work 9.5 hours a day as a receptionist and go home to cook, clean, do laundry spen time with my dog and if my husband doesn't work late we spend time together. I will say we didn't come about our lives easy, I came to canada as an immigrant and have seen extreme poverty so I do appreciate everything I have and every moment I have because it could all go away as easily. I commend the women who struggle and work hard just to survive and I pray for their well being so they can continue caring for their families.
Post a Comment
Sanja
Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 12:14 PM
Just yesterday Salary.com, the compensation experts, announced that Stay at Home Mom’s job is worth $134,121 annually! What they mean is that mothers that stay at home with their children, if they were to be paid, would earn this amount every year, while Working Mothers would earn $85,876 annually in addition to the salary they already make at work away from home. These calculations were made on the basis of different jobs mothers do daily and on amount of hours they spend on each task: mothers are housekeepers, day care center teachers, cooks, computer operators, laundry machine operators, janitors, facilities managers, van drivers, CEO’s and psychologists all in one!

Also, they found that on average mothers work 90 hours’ weeks!

These statistics serve only to quantify what we already know well enough—that the job of being a mother is more demanding and difficult than any other job—and many other jobs combined!
Post a Comment
Niyati Sharma
India
Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:21 AM
I am fascinated by Suzanna's story "Day in the life of a Palestinian Mother". For me the daily grind involves taking care of my children: homework, school etc and while I worry about them I don't have to fear for their security.
Post a Comment
20 - 1 of 31 Latest | Previous
Login to Post a Comment | Not a member? Join Now!
 
Featured Stories
"A Post-Soviet Story"
Justyna Mielnikiewicz– Eve Photographers, Poland
"A Mother’s Pride and Joy"
Ioana Novac, Romania
"The Balancing Act"
Basak Kerimoglu, Turkey
"Yom fi Hayat Immra’a Falistinia: A Day in the Life of a Palestinian Mother"
Suzanna Camil Ali Al’Azzah, Palestine
"A Day in the Life of Sadiya Abubakar"
Sadiya Abuakar, Nigeria
"The mundane and the exquisite"
Liz Steketee, United States
"It is hard to be a mother"
Jenny Perez, Bolivia
"Just a Mommy"
Lourdes Segade – Eve Photographers, Spain
"On status and stigma"
Ruth Natasha, Nigeria
©2008 International Museum of Women / Privacy Policy and Disclaimer / Translated by 101translations / Change Language