My photographic project “mother” evokes childbirth and the way women experience motherhood. The mother does not always feel it as a blessing, depending on her personal story. For example, in some areas of Madagascar, women are married at the age of around 14; they are not mentally ready to raise children. And the society sets the bar so high by demanding the iconic role of " worthy mother "! This puts them under pressure. Some start to become overwhelmed, anxious or even depressed. Feeling misunderstood, they suffer in silence and do not know where to turn to. In addition, more and more women are raising their children alone. Being a mother myself, I can relate my story throughout theirs.
I was 20 years old when I had my son. It was more my husband's desire than mine to have a baby, and the labor was so painful that I made a vow not to give birth anymore afterwards. In addition, I could hardly accept my transformed body after the cesarean section. I didn’t like my body and it took me several years to get rid of my complexes.
This project allowed me to put my disparate feelings into words; it’s also an invitation for women to express themselves without fear of judgment. Their wellbeing is essential as mothers are the first educators of children. And it’s not an easy task. Mutual support between women is valuable. Groups of mothers can be created in the communities, which allow sharing and exchange of ideas. Consciously choosing to be a good mother makes the tasks more enjoyable; no longer as an obligation but as an opportunity.
I have collected testimonies of mothers, all different stories and paths, around a subject that is so common.
