Before becoming a mother, I never imagined that I could love someone more than I loved myself. Yet the moment I held my child, something changed. It was not simply a new responsibility; it was a transformation. Suddenly, someone else’s life, safety, and happiness mattered more than my own comfort.

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That experience helped me understand, in a deeper way, the love of God. As a Christian, I had always heard about unconditional love, but motherhood allowed me to experience a glimpse of it in everyday life. It reminded me that certain lessons arrive at the right moment and that some truths can only be fully understood through experience.

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Psychologists have long recognized the importance of this bond. British psychiatrist John Bowlby, known for his work on attachment theory, demonstrated that the emotional connection between a mother and her child forms the foundation for how children develop trust, security, and relationships later in life. Children who experience secure attachment early in life tend to develop greater emotional stability and confidence as they grow.

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Modern research continues to support this understanding. Studies in early childhood development indicate that strong maternal bonding contributes significantly to children’s emotional well-being, social skills, and readiness for school. Development experts often emphasize that the first years of life are the most critical for emotional and social development. The nurturing a child receives during this period can influence confidence, resilience, and relationships for decades.

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Reflecting on motherhood also invites us to approach the subject with humility and compassion. Not every mother has had the same journey. Some women grew up carrying deep wounds or difficult experiences that shaped how they express love. This does not mean they love less; it reminds us that people often give from what they themselves have received.

In our communities, we sometimes see difficult realities that reflect this complexity. Walking through places like CHIC or Nyabugogo, one may encounter mothers begging on the streets with their children beside them. These scenes can be heartbreaking. Yet even in such circumstances, many mothers hold tightly to their children and refuse to be separated from them. While some may judge these situations quickly, they can also reveal a powerful instinct to protect and remain close to their children despite hardship.

This reflection is not meant to compare mothers or suggest that some succeed while others fail. Rather, it is an invitation to see motherhood with understanding. Each person gives love in the way they have learned, shaped by their experiences, their environment, and the support they have received.

Of course, fathers also play an essential role in the lives of children. Many fathers experience their own transformation when they welcome a child into their lives, growing into the responsibility of being present, supportive, and protective. Their role is equally important in shaping strong families and communities.

However, during this Women’s Month, it is fitting to pause and recognize the unique strength and sacrifice that mothers often carry quietly every day. Behind many strong individuals, there is often the silent influence of a mother who believed, protected, and endured.

Perhaps the best way to honour mothers this month is simply to recognize the positive side of their love, the patience, the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, and the constant care that often go unnoticed.

Motherhood may not always be perfect, but its love remains one of the quiet forces shaping our families, our communities, and the future of our societies. And perhaps during this Women’s Month, the most meaningful tribute we can offer mothers is simple: recognition, gratitude, and respect for the invisible work of love that shapes generations.

Christine Biraro is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified coach and Customer Experience Manager at Bank of Kigali.