Marcus Vinicius de Freitas: what rules the world?

IBREI
Mar 3
3 min read

In 1865, the American William Ross Wallace created a refrain that became a proverb, emphasizing the power of motherhood: Because the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. Wallace understood that the direction of society is shaped within the walls of the home.

Mother’s Day was created by Ann Jarvis, who, two years after her mother’s passing, began a campaign to establish the holiday on May 12, 1907. In Brazil, the holiday arrived a few years later, in 1932, when Getúlio Vargas recognized the important role of women in society, the same year they won the right to vote in Brazil.

As Mother’s Day approaches, it is worth recalling the importance of the progress in women’s status over the past two centuries. From near-property to independence, there is no doubt that much remains to be done. Important issues still need to be addressed, such as equal pay, the double or triple workload faced by many women, and the recognition of motherhood as one of the greatest assets of a nation.

Much has changed. At the beginning of the 20th century, women could not vote, and very few pursued professional careers. Additionally, family leadership rested solely on men, who, in defense of honor and power, could—and often did—commit unprecedented abuses. Domestic violence, still prevalent today, remains a social cancer that must be eradicated, as evidenced during the recent pandemic. Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States, recognized this enormous challenge, stating that the abuse of women and girls constitutes the most widespread and overlooked human rights violation in the world. Until this issue is resolved, humanity will remain hostage to this tragedy.

Gender equality is essential for societal balance. Roles can—and do—differ. However, it is important to emphasize that none is superior. It is noteworthy, for example, that pre-Pauline Christianity elevated women to a status equal to men, granting them the crucial role of primary witnesses to the resurrection of Christ, a defining feature of this religion.

The foundation of society is built at home. Within it, amid the recurring tensions of family life, the first experiences of social interaction, harmony, and civility are formed. Outsourcing the education and civility developed within the family to entities such as schools or churches is one of the great errors of Western society. After all, no teacher or religious leader can replace the family figures. Improving women’s professional and educational status is essential for building a strong nation.

Ultimately, advancing gender equality is fundamental to the evolution of any nation.

On March 28, 2020, I said goodbye for the last time to my mother, Maria Aparecida dos Anjos (Dona Cida), on a pleasant late-summer afternoon. I was privileged by the sense of duty of a good mother in guiding her children. I do not always follow her lessons, but it must be emphasized that it was at home that learning took place. Everything else society offered was merely the cherry on top.

Protecting motherhood ensures a better global future. When a child is born, a new being also emerges—the mother—whose mission is to nurture, educate, and train that individual for life’s challenges. It is a Herculean task, often shared, often undertaken alone. For this reason, public policies should make motherhood as supported and facilitated as possible. Raising a child requires the cooperation of society as a whole.

As the world undergoes new transitions, pandemics, and upheavals, respect for motherhood must be emphasized for global advancement. After all, the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. If we want to improve the world, it is time to reconsider our values.

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