GENEVA - Mothers around the world face widespread and systemic violence because of their status as mothers, including economic exploitation, reproductive abuse, physical harm and psychological trauma, a UN expert said today, calling for comprehensive legal protections and dedicated policies to address this largely invisible phenomenon.
"Motherhood remains largely undervalued and mischaracterised as a purely private choice rather than a public good. Mothers are subjected to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, yet remain unrecognised as a distinct category in law, policy and data," said Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences.
In her report to the Human Rights Council, Alsalem examined the root causes of violence against mothers, including the devaluation of motherhood, intersectional discrimination, harmful social norms, economic marginalisation and poverty.
The Special Rapporteur highlighted specific forms of violence experienced by mothers, including economic violence such as the "motherhood penalty" in wages and career advancement, obstetric and reproductive violence, physical and sexual abuse, and profound psychological harm. She noted that mothers in conflict settings are increasingly targeted for holding the promise of continuity of life within a group. She also raised alarm at the disproportionate impact on mothers of recent sharp cuts to humanitarian and development assistance.
The expert identified groups of mothers facing heightened risks, including indigenous, migrant, refugee, stateless, adolescent, older, incarcerated, single, lesbian, surrogate and prostituted mothers, mothers with disabilities, mothers of children with disabilities, and mothers who resist harmful practices against their children. She noted that violence against mothers also profoundly affects their children, perpetuating cycles of harm across generations.
"Addressing violence against mothers requires us first to make them visible. We must define mothers as a distinct category of rights-holders in law, collect data disaggregated by motherhood status, and develop targeted policies that reflect their specific needs and contributions to society," Alsalem said.
The Special Rapporteur urged States to use mother-specific language in law and policy, guarantee paid maternity leave, enforce child support obligations from pregnancy onwards, ensure free and accessible maternal healthcare, and respect mothers' rights in child custody proceedings.
She also called for accountability for violations of mothers' rights in conflict settings.
"The social significance of motherhood should be promoted through education and awareness campaigns," Alsalem said. "Societal attitudes must shift towards greater recognition and support for mothers and those interested in becoming mothers."
