On the occasion of International Mother’s Day, different stages of a woman’s life come under fresh discussion. A woman’s understanding of motherhood varies depending on her age, experience, and life situation. For an unmarried university student, it remains a future concept shaped by imagination and uncertainty, while for a mother, it becomes a daily reality of responsibility, sacrifice, and love. This feature explores how women at different stages of life perceive motherhood, highlighting their emotions, realities, and silent struggles. Their opinions are presented by Sakibul Hasan.

Motherhood: The Strength Behind Silent Struggles

Motherhood is one of the most beautiful yet challenging journeys in a woman’s life. From girlhood to motherhood, women silently endure countless emotional, physical, and mental struggles. Living in Canada, I have experienced better healthcare support and awareness during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Yet even with these supports, motherhood still feels deeply difficult at times. It makes me wonder how much harder the journey is for many mothers in Bangladesh, where women often carry family pressure, emotional struggles, and responsibilities with far less support. In Bangladesh, society needs to change its mentality and provide greater emotional, physical, and social support to women carrying these hardships every single day. As a mother myself, I have realized that motherhood is not only about giving birth; it is about constantly giving pieces of yourself to build a safe and loving world for your child. This Mother’s Day, mothers deserve appreciation and recognition not only for their love, but also for all the silent sacrifices they make.

Nihar Jannat from Canada 

The Quiet Journey of Sacrifice and Motherhood

An endless journey of sacrifice, love, and countless untold stories lies behind a woman’s smile. A girl is born with many dreams, but as she grows, she slowly realizes the world is not always kind to her. From childhood, she often sacrifices her own joy to make others happy, gradually learning to silence her desires for the sake of family and expectations. Society teaches her how to behave, but rarely listens to her hidden pain. As she enters a new family, responsibility deepens, and her own identity often fades behind duties. Yet the most profound transformation begins when she becomes a mother. The girl who once dreamed freely now lives for her child, staying awake through nights, hiding her pain behind care and love. Her life revolves around others, not herself. Behind her smile lies silent endurance, unspoken dreams, and endless sacrifice.

Nurjahan Shova,  Dhaka University

The voiceless Struggle of Women: The Invisible Story Behind Motherhood

A woman’s journey of struggle is shaped by social reality and an unequal balance of responsibilities. From early childhood, she is prepared for multiple roles, while her personal dreams are often given less importance. After becoming a mother, her responsibilities increase even further, yet support does not always come equally from family or society. Along with physical challenges, constant mental pressure leaves her exhausted. If family and society stood equally beside women and valued their efforts properly, this long and difficult journey could become much easier and more dignified.

Ashrafia Ashraf,  Eden Mohila College

The Silent Journey of a Woman

From the birth of a baby girl to the formation of a mature woman, every step is shaped by unseen and infinite sacrifices. Many begin life under the shadow of expectation, sometimes receiving less attention simply for not being the “expected son.” As childhood fades, they move through adolescence, leaving behind innocence and entering a world of physical and emotional transformation. Marriage often marks another turning point, where they leave their paternal home and step into a new environment filled with endless duties and responsibilities, often with little regard for their personal desires. Then comes the most demanding phase—motherhood. While managing household responsibilities, they devote themselves completely to their children and family. Despite exhaustion and challenges, they continue without pause. Because at the core of their existence lies one unwavering identity: they are mothers.

Mst. Tamanna Akter, Cumilla Government Women's College 

The Sacrifice of Mothers and Society’s Responsibility

The word “mother” may be small, but its meaning is vast. From girlhood to motherhood, a woman passes through social barriers, discrimination, and mental pressure. After becoming a mother, her responsibilities increase many times over—balancing child-rearing, household duties, and personal life, often sacrificing her own desires. Yet, society rarely gives due recognition to this sacrifice. A mother is not only the caretaker of a child but also the foundation of a family and future generations. Therefore, Mother’s Day should not be limited to greetings or flowers; it should be a commitment to ensuring respect, safety, and equal rights for women. Families, communities, and the state must stand beside her so no woman feels alone on this journey. This is not just about empathy-it is about respect.

Jannatun Naim, Writer & Activist

A Mother’s Hidden World Behind the Family

“From daughter to mother: why is a woman’s path of hardship so long?”—the answer lies in the unseen stories of every woman’s life. From birth, a girl grows up within responsibilities, taught to adjust, stay silent, and prioritize others over herself. Gradually, she becomes a mother, and her world narrows around her children and family. Her dreams, wishes, exhaustion, and unspoken pain are quietly hidden behind the happiness of her loved ones. Even when a mother is unwell, her duties never stop. She stays awake at night to care for her children, remembers everyone’s needs, and hides her suffering behind a smile. These silent struggles often remain unnoticed. On World Mother’s Day, we express gratitude to those selfless women who devote their lives to their families. A mother is the silent strength, the shelter, and the purest form of love within a family.

Jannat jahan, University of Dhaka 

The Unseen Journey of a Woman’s Life

A woman grows up carrying many identities—daughter, sister, wife, and finally a mother. Her journey begins with countless unseen sacrifices and silent pressures. The same girl who once created a storm for a small doll grows up to give up her own wishes and dreams to take responsibility for her family. Motherhood is not only about joy; it carries physical pain, mental exhaustion, broken dreams, and endless struggle for the family. Yet, most mothers hide their suffering behind a smile, only to keep their loved ones happy. On this World Mother’s Day, we express deep respect and love for these strong mothers. Mother’s Day is not just a celebration; it is a moment to recognize their sacrifices and heartfelt love with gratitude. 

Rehana Akter, Azimpur Government Girls’ School and College