Statement of Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Philippines on Mothers’ Day
Today, we join the world in celebrating all mothers—nanays, inays, mamas, and mother figures—who give life, nurture families, and serve as pillars of our communities.
Your strength, compassion, and resilience are the quiet force that sustains our homes and our nation. On behalf of UNFPA, the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency, I extend our deepest gratitude and admiration to every mother and caregiver across the Philippines.
But even as we celebrate today, we also pause to reflect.
In 2023 alone, 2,008 mothers in the Philippines died due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth—an average of 6 to 7 women every day. These are not just statistics. These are lives lost—mothers, daughters, partners—often to preventable causes.
And yet, there is hope. In 2023, 19 out of 20 new mothers gave birth in a health facility—a promising sign that more women are accessing safe and essential maternal healthcare. This progress is proof that our collective efforts are working. But it also reminds us that we cannot slow down—not until every woman, everywhere, has access to the care and support she needs.
At UNFPA, we believe that no woman should die while giving life. Every mother has the right to quality maternal healthcare, the right to live free from violence, and the right to make informed decisions about her own body and future.
Because mothers do more than bring life into the world, they shape it. They lead, teach, care, and build the foundations of strong and healthy communities.
This Mother’s Day, and every day, UNFPA remains committed to supporting and standing with all mothers. Because when we protect the rights and health of mothers, we invest in the future of our society.
To all the mothers and mother figures—we honor you, we thank you, and we celebrate you.
Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at UNFPA.
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For more information contact: phl.comms@unfpa.org
