As I sifted through the news last week, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound influence mothers have on our world. The collective outrage over the heartbreaking image of a 3-year-old boy, Alex Kurdi, whose lifeless body washed ashore, resonated deeply within us all. It is a scene that compels us to cry out, “This. Cannot. Happen.”
Before I became a mother, images like this were heart-wrenching. Now, the pain is almost unbearable. I wish I could say I can’t envision such a tragedy, but that would be a lie. Each mother can picture it. It is our collective nightmare: the desperate struggle to protect our child, only to fail.
Yet we must recognize that this tragedy is not a new occurrence. The same horrors have been unfolding across the globe for centuries, with countless innocent lives lost. This. Cannot. Happen. But sadly, it continues to happen.
As I delve into the reasons behind this persistent cycle of violence, examining the wars that uproot families and claim the lives of children, I continually arrive at the same conclusion: it is the mothers of the world who will ultimately dismantle humanity’s tragic bond with war and violence.
No one despises war more than mothers, yet throughout history, they have often lacked the power to prevent it. The ongoing conflicts arise from an imbalance of power, with men and women not being truly equal—socially or politically. When women everywhere can unite and declare, “We will no longer sacrifice our children. We refuse to accept the senseless pursuit of power through brutality. We demand an end to violence and loss,” then change will come.
The roots of extremism lie in ignorance and inequality, and mothers are the primary educators of the next generation. Without equal access to power and education, humanity as a whole suffers. Consider the wars that have ravaged our history—the majority of these atrocities stem from aggressive, male-dominated power structures.
This is not an indictment of men; I appreciate the contributions of fathers and male figures. However, it is critical to address the consequences of a world where half of humanity has been silenced while the other half retains decision-making authority, often leading to unchecked power struggles. My faith teaches that humanity is akin to a bird, with one wing representing men and the other women. A bird with a clipped wing can only flounder on the ground—this is our reality.
When contemplating how I can contribute to change, I recognize the immediate needs of those currently suffering, but I also see the larger picture. The most enduring solution lies in the education and empowerment of women and girls. Lasting change will arise from their advancement.
“Consider a child nurtured and guided by a devoted mother. The sleepless nights and anxious days spent in care are immeasurable. After overcoming countless challenges to raise him, how heartbreaking to sacrifice him to the battlefield! Therefore, mothers will not condone war nor accept it. When women fully engage in the world’s affairs, when they confidently step into the realms of law and politics, war will cease; for women will become the barrier to it.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha, 1912
Alex Kurdi—that is the name of the toddler whose tragic fate became a symbol of the humanitarian crisis. Tragically, he is not alone. Thousands of children have faced similar fates, yet their names remain unknown to the world. This ongoing conflict has persisted for years, with casualties in places like my hometown, Aleppo, surpassing entire cities’ populations.
As you tuck your children in tonight, take a moment to imagine this: You are wrapping your arms around your child to shield her from incoming shells, knowing your efforts might be in vain. You are desperately trying to keep your child’s head above water while you struggle to stay afloat yourself. You clutch a photo of your missing child, uncertain of his fate. While you are grateful for your safety, consider the millions for whom this is a daily reality.
For 22 million people, this situation is not a distant news story—it is their life. Our social media feeds are filled with images of loss, desperation, and families trying to escape turmoil. We see fathers dragging their children through barbed wire and families risking everything to find safety. These images all share a common thread: devastation.
Why is the world silent? Why do governments turn away those in desperate need? The reasons behind these actions are political, but what matters is the lack of action. If hundreds of thousands of people in the United States were facing the same horrors, the response would be far different. This is not merely an issue for one nation or one faith; it is a humanitarian crisis that demands our collective attention.
If you feel compelled to help but are unsure how, every contribution counts. Yasmin Kayali Sabra, co-founder of a humanitarian organization, states, “People often think they need to donate large sums to make a difference, but even $50 a month can feed a family. Small contributions can lead to significant change.” Check out this post on at-home insemination kits for more resources. Additionally, organizations like Make a Mom and Intracervical Insemination provide excellent insights into these crucial topics.
If you cannot contribute financially, you can still make an impact by signing a petition urging the government to accept more refugees. Visit this link for valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
We need the collective voice of mothers worldwide.