If there is one thing I am perfectly sure of, something that challenges me daily as a parent, it is that a mother’s role is no different from that of a teacher. In fact a mother may be the greatest teacher of all. A mother who takes the time to spend quality time with her children and family will have great influence on her children.

With that in mind, it makes sense that every mother should endeavour to be a good example to her children. That is the weight of responsibility all parents carry; to raise upstanding, even outstanding individuals that make the whole community proud.

Let me share my own experience with you; my mother taught me about creativity and to have passion for what I do. I learned the value of hard work and to take pride in my achievements from that same great woman. In the same spirit, my mother taught me that I can always find something to smile about or if that fails, make someone else smile.

My grandmother taught me to respect the wisdom and the work of those who came before me, my elders and those in authority (who put you in the position you are). Perhaps one of the greatest lessons I learned from simply watching my mother is that of perseverance.

I watched her work, start multiple businesses, motivate and inspire others, celebrate and share her achievements and through all that she taught me that anything is possible when you put your mind to it, no matter what the circumstances. My own mother is the kind of mother I want to be. She was a great disciplinarian, something I fall short of, but the lessons she taught have served me well and I love her for it.

When I was pregnant with my first child I could not help but compare myself to my mother and each time I found myself wanting. Then again I remembered that she taught me to be my own person, to celebrate my achievements no matter how small and to take pride in who I am and what I do.

In that moment I was happy to step up and be the mother that I am today. A woman of substance, of consequence and a phenomenal woman. I am confident each day that I do my best to be a great mother and that is enough for me. I get a lot of help from family friends and God himself. And although I am first a woman and then a mother, motherhood is my greatest achievement and privilege.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us remember the value our mothers have added to our lives through the lessons they have taught us and those we have learned from watching them at work. Let us as women strive to be great mothers in nurture and nature. Let us remember to pray for divine guidance. Amen.