Ohid, 1 October 2025 (MIA) - "Moms for Macedonia" was launched in Ohrid on Wednesday, part of "Moms for Freedom - Global Network", an international movement aimed at promoting motherhood, encouraging women to become mothers, helping women who already have children and those about to become mothers. The global initiative is launched in Ohrid and joined by 17 other countries worldwide.

Kimberly Fletcher, CEO and founder of "Moms for America", addressed a press conference and said their activities have put the organization on the global map over the past couple of years.

"Many leaders of countries and organizations, mothers from various states asked us if we could bring 'Moms for America' in their respective countries. In February this year, I said we would launch the 'Moms for Freedom - Global Network' as an international sorrority of mothers from the entire world, with the goal of connecting and supporting each other while spreading the voice on the global scale. Macedonia holds one of the key seats in the 'Moms for Freedom' foundation," said Fletcher.

Rachel Scott and Ana Dukoska, president of Macedonian association "I Am Woman", are the co-founders of 'Moms for Freedom".

"Ana Dukoska, Rachel Scott and I come from different countries but we all share the same commitment - to use the power and our influence towards improving our societies and our countries. 'Moms for Freedom' ensures networking of women-mothers from different countries based on the same universal values and principles that unify us. The three main concerns of all mothers across the globe are for their children to be safe, get a good education and equal opportunities for success in life. If we want to have families and communities that are strong and thriving, then we need mothers who are supported and strong. That is why we founded 'Moms for Freedom'", noted Fletcher.

Scott said the first place where the child learns about love is from the safety of its mother's womb and the comfort of the mother's embrace.

"Mothers play a vital role in society. They create the future generations of leaders of the nation. They hold the keys, not only in educating and shaping children, but in determining the destiny of a nation. The force of a nation is as powerful as its families," said Scott.

She also referred to the downfall of the mothers' role in shaping the next generations of world leaders, which is prevalent in the countries of the western hemisphere, where women attach more importance to education and career.

"We must encourage younger women to become mothers, warn them about the consequences of delaying this important role. Every woman must be educated and build a career, but it must also be advised to not sacrifice its biological task of being a mother for the sake of the career. We should encourage young women by telling them that having the role of a wife and mother will bring what her heart desires - the love that she and her child will have for one another," said Scott.

Dukoska said motherhood is not limited to biology - it is a deep instinct, a call of the heart that exceeds bloodlines.

"Being a mother means to care, protect, upbring. The mother's spirit lives in every woman that chooses to care deeply, educate wisely, inspire boldly and empower those around her. She is the voice that gives comfort, a soothing hand, a powerful presence. In this sense, motherhood becomes a holy act of leadership - a daily revolution of love and resonsibility that shapes not only families but communities and nations as well," said Dukoska.

Regarding the position of the woman-mother in Macedonia, Fletcher and Scott said state officials have highlighted the intensive efforts for improvement of the conditions for women and mothers in the modern society.

As Fletcher noted, domestic violence in Macedonia is now codified as a crime, adding that mothers must have a shelter where they would be cared for when exposed to violence, be it through a sorrority, safe houses or a family.

"This is one of our goals, for mothers and women to not feel alone. If we work together, we can provide security for all those in need of help. What is important is to address problems and work on their removal, and for this to become part of the culture and way of life. It should be embedded in the people's mindset that making a career does not have to be an obstacle to start a family, but that it needs to be built together with the family, considering that a career is possible later in life, which is not the case with raising children," said Fletcher.

On the challenges for women in the Macedonian society, Dukoska referred to the difficulties that a woman is facing and the daily search for ways to balance private and professional life, but also the initiatives for amendments in legislation so that women don't lose their jobs after becoming mothers.

"Moms for Freedom" underlined that motherhood and upbringing of future generations is the most important contribution in building a humane society and the highest act of patriotism for the country.

Photo: MIA