When our mothers are alive and healthy, they do extraordinary things... like the mothers of Plaza de Mayo, who marched in Argentinean plazas, defying the military junta dictatorship and demanding the whereabouts of their abducted children... or the Liberian mothers who faced down civil war armed only with T-shirts and courage.

In this quote, Liya Kebede highlights the extraordinary courage and resilience of mothers who take bold actions to protect and advocate for their children, even in the face of extreme adversity. She references the mothers of Plaza de Mayo in Argentina, who, during the military junta dictatorship, marched in public spaces demanding answers about the fate of their abducted children. These mothers’ courageous acts of defiance became a powerful symbol of resistance. Kebede also mentions the Liberian mothers who, during their country’s civil war, used simple T-shirts as their only weapon to bring attention to the violence, showing that even in the direst circumstances, courage and determination can drive profound change.

Kebede’s words draw attention to the strength and sacrifice that mothers display, not only in caring for their families but also in standing up against injustice. She illustrates that motherhood can inspire a powerful, unyielding force for social change. The quote emphasizes the unseen and often unsung acts of bravery that mothers perform, highlighting their ability to rise above personal fear and take significant risks for the sake of their children and society.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Kebede’s advocacy work and her focus on human rights and social justice. As a model and humanitarian, she has long been an advocate for women’s rights, particularly in Africa and other regions where women face significant struggles. This quote reflects her admiration for women who challenge oppressive systems and the remarkable power that emerges from their love for their children and commitment to freedom and justice.

Ultimately, Kebede’s quote serves as a tribute to the resilience and determination of mothers who, driven by love and the need for justice, defy oppressive forces and fight for a better future. It underscores the idea that motherhood, when combined with courage and conviction, can lead to extraordinary acts of change and empowerment, even in the most challenging of circumstances.