Women’s Equality Day: When We Empower a Mother, We Strengthen a Family
On Women’s Equality Day, Bella Smiles for Developmental Disabilities is celebrating the strength, determination, and potential of the mothers in the communities we serve.
For families raising children with developmental disabilities, equality and opportunity can take on many forms. A mother may be advocating for her child’s healthcare while also trying to provide food, housing, education, transportation, and other necessities for her family.
In some communities, disability stigma can create even more barriers for mothers and their children.
That is why one important part of the work we do at Bella Smiles is empowering families to build greater independence and financial sustainability.
Empowerment That Creates Opportunity
Our Family Empowerment initiatives in Uganda are designed to help families develop sustainable ways to earn income while continuing to care for their children with developmental disabilities.
Over the years, these efforts have included parent-created products, organic diapers, herbal oils, thrift initiatives, parent-to-parent support, and opportunities for mothers who want to build businesses of their own.
The goal is bigger than providing short-term assistance.
We want families to have opportunities to build something sustainable.
And one mother’s story beautifully shows what that can mean.
Meet Sydney’s Mom
Sydney’s mom had a talent she could turn into an opportunity.
She knew how to bake and cook.
Bella Smiles provided her with a scholarship to help her take those skills and begin building her own small business making cakes, baked goods, and cooked foods.
That opportunity meant more than starting a business.
It gave her another way to earn income to help support Sydney and their family.
On our website, Sydney’s mom shares how dramatically her circumstances and confidence have changed. She describes once having no income and experiencing shame connected to her child’s disability. Today, she is running her own small business, providing for her family, and feeling proud and confident.
That is empowerment.
It is not about doing everything for someone.
It is about recognizing someone’s abilities, providing an opportunity, and helping remove barriers so that she can build something for herself.
Why Empowering Mothers Matters for Children With Developmental Disabilities
When we talk about supporting a child with a developmental disability, we cannot separate that child from the family caring for them.
A more financially secure household can mean greater ability to meet everyday needs, pursue healthcare, and provide opportunities for a child.
When a mother has an opportunity to earn an income, develop her talents, and gain greater independence, the impact can reach far beyond one individual.
Empower a woman, and you can strengthen a family.
Strengthen a family, and you can create more opportunities for a child.
That is why family empowerment is an important part of the larger mission of Bella Smiles for Developmental Disabilities.
Watch Sydney’s Family’s Story
We invite you to learn more about Sydney and her family through a video shared by Bella Smiles from Uganda.
Stories like theirs allow our donors and supporters to see the people behind the programs—and the difference that support can make.
Help Us Empower Another Family
Sydney’s mom is one story.
There are more mothers with talents, ideas, and dreams who simply need an opportunity to take that next step.
Your support helps Bella Smiles continue programs that promote independence, dignity, inclusion, and sustainable opportunities for families raising children with developmental disabilities.
This Women’s Equality Day, consider helping us create that opportunity for another mother.
You can learn more about our Family Empowerment Program, explore the other work Bella Smiles is doing in Washington and Uganda, or make a donation through our website.
When women are empowered, families grow stronger. And when families are stronger, children have more opportunities to thrive.
Happy Women’s Equality Day from Bella Smiles for Developmental Disabilities. 💜
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