Untying the Gordian Knot Motherhood Caroline Hunt Matthes

Untying the Gordian Knot - Motherhood Caroline Hunt- Matthes, Adjuct Professor , Webster University, Geneva , GEM , France 20 March, 2018

Most Noble Human Right • OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS OF A WOMEN THE GREATEST IS TO BE A MOTHER • Lin Yutang

2 billion mothers in the world (85. 4 million in the U. S. ). • There are 4. 3 babies are born each second. • DOING IT LATER • The average of new moms • 25 in the USA • 29 in other developed countries such as Japan and Switzerland.

Maternal health Successes and Most Challenged • 1. Norway- Access to medical professional at birth 2. Australia 3. Iceland 4. Sweden 5. Denmark • Versus: half a million die every year in CB 1. Afghanistan-one women every 30 mins dies in CB 2. Niger 3. Chad 4. Guinea-Bissau 5. Yemen

Motherhood Internal Conflicts • Realm of un-freedom, and un-glory • (Hannah Arendt) • We still sacrifices for achievement, not sacrifices for care. • Responsibility of building another human life.

Presence with our children • CHORES PARTNER BALANCE IMPROVING • Since the 1960 s, men’s contribution to housework doubled to more than 30 percent of the total. In the same period, the average working mother reduced her weekly housework load by two hours. • Between 1965 and 2003, women increased the time they spent with their children.

The heart of the issue-Expression

Cutting the Gordian Knot. Motherhood Teaching Inspiring love of learning & respect for earth Presence Protection Unconditional Love

Mothers Influence -Action Plan Our responsibility Culture change • The importance of raising feminist sons! • This is CRITICAL if gender relations are to be changed. • Power Dynamics in society – Right to Express!