EDITORIAL – A day for mothers

Women in the Philippines are among the most empowered in the world, with the country ranking among the top 10 in terms of gender equity. The ranking is likely to improve further following the implementation of the Reproductive Health Law.

In terms of the status of mothers, however, wide income disparity puts the Philippines at 105th place out of 179 countries. In its 16th annual report on the state of mothers around the world, released just days before Mother’s Day, Save the Children used five indicators on maternal health, women’s education, income levels and status. Advanced economies topped the Mothers’ Index, with Norway edging out Finland as the best place for mothers.

In the Philippines, Save the Children noted improvements in Metro Manila in reducing the mortality rate of children aged five or younger, with the average going down from 81 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1993 to 38 in 2008. Health care for mothers belonging to the poorest 20 percent of the population also improved, Save the Children reported.

As in access to reproductive health care, however, Save the Children noted a wide disparity in health care for mothers depending on income levels. Around the world, survival gaps between rich and poor mothers are also widening in mega cities that continue to expand, the group reported.

The worst places in the world for mothers are also the poorest, with Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic at the bottom of the list. Mothers in zones of armed conflict also rank low in the index.

Middle-income countries such as the Philippines can afford to join in the celebration of Mothers’ Day today. But there are still many Filipinos who are too poor to even be aware that there is a day dedicated to mothers. Narrowing the gap between rich and poor mothers is part of the challenge of making economic growth inclusive. –(The Philippine Star)