Mother’s Day 2025 took on a profound significance in the heart of Korogocho as Youth Alive! Kenya, in collaboration with Angaza Vocational Training Centre and Jionee Group, hosted a transformative event for mothers and caregivers of persons with disabilities. More than a mere celebration, the gathering served as an eye-opening reflection on unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW), a demanding reality many of these women navigate daily but had never collectively acknowledged or named.

Through a guided discussion utilizing the 5Rs framework (i.e., recognize, reduce, redistribute, reward, and represent), the women bravely unpacked the immense emotional, physical, and economic toll of their care work. Many shared poignant testimonies of foregoing paid opportunities, sacrificing much-needed rest, and even withdrawing from social participation due to the relentless demands of caregiving.

For these women, many of whom are single mothers, the concept of redistributing care responsibilities often remains an elusive option, and their representation in policy and support spaces is frequently absent. They described their inability to participate in decision-making platforms not out of disinterest, but due to the pervasive time poverty imposed by their caregiving duties. Their collective testimonies coalesced into a powerful call for structural support, ranging from inclusive policy recognition to the establishment of community-based networks that genuinely reflect their lived realities. The session evolved into both a crucial learning space and a rallying call to action, underscoring that caregiving, particularly for persons with disabilities, must be recognized as vital societal work.

The day concluded with a deeply appreciated self-care session facilitated by Angaza Vocational Training Centre. Participants were treated to massages, facials, and manicures – services many experienced for the very first time. What might appear to be a small gesture resonated profoundly, serving as a powerful reminder of their inherent dignity and worth. “I feel like someone remembered me today,” one mother shared, her voice filled with emotion. The joy, relief, and solidarity that blossomed among the caregivers reinforced an essential message: those who care for others, every single day, must not only be supported but, crucially, must be seen. From increased awareness to the spark of solidarity and leadership among the caregivers themselves, this activity marked a significant step toward valuing the invaluable contributions of these unsung heroes.