Ethiopian Moms Give Mothering Advice, Talk About Joy

Pour a cup of coffee and settle in for a good chat with these Ethiopian moms.

On May 14, the world pauses to celebrate mothers in all their strength, diversity, and joy. We interviewed five moms in the community of Sasiga to get a glimpse into their experience of mothering in Ethiopia.

Tarike Bancho
Full-time mom, day labourer, community volunteer

What advice would you give moms in Canada?
“I advise them that they should take more time with their children - as much as possible! This is how their children will become productive citizens. Women are key people for both family and nation development.”

What do you love about being a mom?
"Taking care of my children - both my own and my neighbours."

What do you do for fun?
"I enjoy having coffee with my neighbours."
What brings you joy?
"Going to church and loving my children."

Tarike with her husband and children

Tarike's daughter (right) with her friend.

Adanech Zewudu
Loving mom, faithful Christian, hard worker

What advice do you have for moms in Canada?
“I advise them to share their life experience, both the good and bad, with their children. Then their children will better be able to cope successfully with the changing world.”

What do you love about being a mom?
"As the one who gave birth to my children, I feel happy as I see them grow up."

What do you do for fun?
"I have coffee with the other moms in my neighbourhood."
What brings you joy?
"Going to church and taking care of my kids."

Adanech with her husband, children, and mother-in-law.

Senait Banti
Determined mom, tree planter, visionary

Senait's husband & children.

What advice do you have for moms in Canada?
“Mothers are the pillar of family growth. As such, we should do whatever it takes - no matter the cost - to change our family situation.”

What do you love about being a mom?
"I like being a mom in spite of the hardships of raising children. I like the responsibility I have to support my family and children."

What do you do for fun?
"We have big feasts together on holidays."
What brings you joy?
"To share my time with my kids, and to observe when they are learning something new."

Senait's smiling son.

Senait's oldest son and toddler daughter.

Mule Tolesa

Exemplary mom, community development committee member, hopeful

What advice do you have for moms in Canada?

“Life has a lot of lessons, a lot of ups and downs. Mothers should hold onto the good ones, as well as the hard ones, and let them be lessons to guide future action. I advise them also to love their family and encourage them.”

What do you love about being a mom?
"I love being a mother as I support my family, and I also love my children and care for them."
What do you do for fun?
"I visit with my friends at church."
What brings you joy?
"Being a healthy woman gives me joy."

Mule with her son and daughter.

Mule's daughter who is studying hard to become an accountant.

Iftu Abdisa
Happy mother, entrepreneur, creative cook

What advice do you have for moms in Canada?
“I advise them that they should give their kids deep love - love is above all things.”

What do you love about being a mom?
"I am happy that I am created to care for children."

What do you do for fun?
"We get together and make coffee."

What brings you joy?
"Now I am healthy, and that makes me happy."

Iftu with her two boys.

Mothers in every corner of the globe keep their world turning. In Ethiopia, they do everything from making the morning coffee (roast, grind, and brew!), to fetching household water, to collecting firewood, to caring for their communities many children. And that's just the house work! Most of these women also farm full-time, sell their produce in markets, or run small businesses. Let's hear it for strong, visionary mothers!