“Mother’s Day is celebrated in a number of countries across the world. It is a day that acknowledges mothers and the roles they fill in various societies.

But, there are many, many mothers in the world who go unacknowledged. For them it is just another day - no flowers, gifts or cards. But, every day they are mothers - carrying huge burdens.

In my travels through Africa, I have come across a lot of mothers, grandmothers, aunts and kind neighbours worrying about where the next meal will come from, their children’s education, clean water, warm clothes, where they will sleep after a flood…

I’ve watched mothers lose children and still keep going. They don’t give up. They are the ones wanting to change their circumstances, the ones who are loudest at meetings, the ones wanting to comfort others.

I can't imagine going through the trauma some of these women have experienced.

And yet, despite this, they are able to smile at the small things, like when they spot their children play and laugh. They are able to leap up and dance to show their happiness or gratitude.

I’ve seen this strength and I am grateful that they have taught me to find pleasure in the simple things; a quiet acceptance.

This Mother’s Day, I’d like to pay tribute to them.