In honour of Mother's Day, we celebrate women all over the world for their considerable contributions to their families and communities in their roles of caregivers, mentors, and providers.
We also remember the millions of mothers who lose their lives far too soon, and all the mothers who suffered the heartache of losing a child. In the developing world, hundreds of thousands of women die during pregnancy or childbirth every year, and more than 7.6 million children die before reaching the age of five. Many of these deaths are preventable.
Through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Canada is leading a global effort to reduce maternal and infant deaths, and improve the health of mothers and children in the world's poorest countries.
We know that worldwide, mothers make significant contributions to the economic well-being of households and communities. That is why CIDA made it a priority to help enhance women's economic opportunities. When women can contribute to and manage the household income, they make nutrition, health and the education of their children a priority. They also improve the chance of their family moving out of poverty.
On Mother's Day, we celebrate mothers everywhere as we continue to promote and support their health, rights and well-being. Happy Mother's Day!
Beverley J. Oda
Minister of International Cooperation
