UN Women's Touching Film Aims to Give Middle Eastern Mothers Their Names Back

In celebration of Mother´s day in the Middle East on March 21, UN Women, in partnership with Impact BBDO Dubai, has launched a social media campaign designed to encourage men and women in the middle east to honor their mothers by replacing their own profile pictures on Twitter with the name of their mother and #MyMothersNameIs.

There are many hurdles to overcome to reach gender equality, including access to education, right to work and participate safely in public life, ending violence against women and girls-  the right to one´s own name not being associated with shame or embarassment is one step closer to equality. It is a basic human right. 

For men in Egypt and in many other countries in the Middle East, there is a peculiar taboo of not disclosing one´s mother’s name in public, lest her name become a subject of shame and ridicule in public forums. Over time, her name becomes forgotten and she’s only referred to as ‘The mother of her eldest son’. UN Women’s 'Give Mom Back Her Name’ initiative is simple yet powerful and aims to take steps to eradicate this taboo and giving mother’s in Egypt and the Middle East their names back in public foras.

Mohammed Naciri, UN Women Regional Director, says, “ A woman´s name should never be associated with shame or embarrassment - this mother´s day, we are reclaiming that space and recognizing women for the incredible individuals they are, not only as the mother of her eldest son.”  The initiative, is created together with IMPACT BBDO Dubai and aims to open a larger conversation of women´s rights and gender equality in the Middle East and the world.

While the region has many challenges to overcome to reach gender equality, such initiatives, which aim at changing the fabric of society at community levels; including questioning cultural norms, ultimately strive towards building an inclusive, equal society.