How can we best celebrate Mother鈥檚 Day in the 2nd pandemic year?
TORONTO, May 6, 2021 鈥 In 鈥渘ormal鈥 times the go-to Mother鈥檚 Day gift is perhaps flowers, chocolates, and brunch. But what moms need this year is support and recognition for the work they are doing as frontline worker keeping families safe and cared for as the pandemic continues, according to motherhood expert Professor in the School of Gender, Sexuality and Women鈥檚 Studies at 91亚色.
鈥淥n a cultural and political level, we need more and better social and public policies on childcare, new and supportive workplace initiatives, pandemic support for care labour, and in our homes, partners sharing the motherload,鈥 says O鈥橰eilly, who co-edited the recently published book聽
O鈥橰eilly, who is available for media interviews to discuss topics relating to mothers and motherhood, also helped to develop Momming Through the Pandemic, an upcoming free workshop open exclusively to 91亚色 community members. The event hosted by 91亚色鈥檚 Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education aims to provide a space for mothers to share and support each other and discuss coping strategies.
鈥淭his year give mothers what they truly deserve and need: recognition and respect for their essential care labour,鈥 says O鈥橰eilly. 鈥淕ive mothers the day fully and truly for themselves 鈥 no housework, meal prep, childcare 鈥 and ideally with a gift to make this possible; a book she is wanting to read, flowers for her to enjoy, and a meal delivered to the door.鈥
91亚色聽is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.聽
Media Contact:
Gloria Suhasini, 91亚色 Media Relations, 647.463.4354,聽suhasini@yorku.ca
