Mother’s Day in the UK is coming up on Sunday, 30th March 2025. Cue the sentimental cards, the last-minute supermarket flowers, and the well-meaning “thanks, Mum!” messages. But beyond the celebrations, it’s time for a reality check—because, let’s be honest, society still doesn’t know how to treat mothers as whole people.

Motherhood is powerful, I am personally amazed that my children once didn’t existed and now not only do, but I got to help shape and witness them become who they are . But it’s not mine (or any woman ’s) sole defining feature, and it certainly shouldn’t come at the cost of our autonomy, ambitions, and identity.

Yet, here we are in 2025, and the world still insists on boxing mothers into outdated roles. In The Feminist Shop we believe It’s time for a shift. The “More Than a Mum” movement is here to challenge these narratives. Because motherhood can’t come at the extortionate price that it still comes today.

The Weight of Expectations: Still a Mother’s Burden

Despite progress, the numbers don’t lie. Women in the UK still take on the bulk of caregiving, domestic work, and emotional labour. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) consistently reports that women spend significantly more time on unpaid household work and childcare than men. The pandemic threw this imbalance into sharp focus, with working mothers bearing the brunt of homeschooling and domestic responsibilities.

And for marginalised mothers? The challenges only increase. Black, Asian, and ethnic minority mothers face racial biases in healthcare and economic barriers. Disabled mothers battle inaccessible infrastructure and deeply ingrained societal prejudices. LGBTQ+ parents navigate stigma and legal loopholes that heterosexual couples never have to think about.

This is why feminism needs to be intersectional—because fighting for mothers means fighting for all mothers, not just the ones who fit the traditional mould.

Redefining Motherhood: What Needs to Change?

Being a mother doesn’t mean giving up the rest of who you are. You don’t stop being a writer, a scientist, an activist, or an athlete just because you have kids. You don’t stop being creative, or sporty, or funny. You still are a friend, a sibling, a daughter. You are allowed to be playful, sexy, in love. The “More Than a Mum” movement is about breaking down the expectation that a mother’s worth is tied to how much of herself she gives away. The rarely contested assumption that you are a better mother when you always put everything and everyone first.

So, how do we support this shift?

1. Equal Parental Leave and Shared Responsibility
The UK’s parental leave policies still assume mums are the default parent. Shared Parental Leave (SPL) exists, but uptake remains embarrassingly low due to financial and workplace barriers. Until fathers and non-birthing parents take on an equal share, mothers will continue to bear the brunt of caregiving.

2. Workplace Flexibility Without the “Motherhood Penalty”
Women are still being overlooked for promotions, pushed into part-time roles, and paid less—all because they dared to have children. Employers need to offer flexible working that doesn’t stall career progression. And men need to use it too, so caregiving isn’t just seen as a “woman’s issue.”

3. Smashing Gender Stereotypes From Childhood
When girls are expected to help with chores while boys are praised for ambition, we’re setting the stage for a lifetime of gendered expectations. Schools, parents, and the media all play a role in making sure caregiving isn’t seen as a default female duty.

4. Affordable, High-Quality Childcare
In 2024, the UK government promised expanded free childcare hours, but the reality? Sky-high costs and lack of availability still push women out of the workforce. Without accessible childcare, mothers are forced to make impossible choices.

5. Ditching the “Selfless Mother” Myth
The idea that “good mothers” give up everything for their kids is toxic, unhelpful for the parents and for the children alike. Prioritising your mental health, career, and passions isn’t selfish—it’s setting an example of what a fulfilled life looks like. Let’s retire the narrative that mothers must “do it all” and replace it with one that values balance and boundaries.

Men: Step Up, It’s Your Turn
Women shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. Men need to be active participants in dismantling outdated gender roles.

• Take equal responsibility at home – Childcare, emotional labour, planning? These aren’t “helping out”; they’re part of being a parent.
  
• Use paternity leave and flexible working – The more men take time off for parenting, the faster we normalise it.
  
• Call out sexist attitudes – Dads aren’t “babysitting” their kids; they’re parenting. Words matter.
  
• Support women’s ambitions – Whether it’s a partner, sister, friend, or colleague, actively encourage women to pursue their goals—without guilt. Sometimes is easier to give ourselves permission to break the moulds when we have a village cheering for us in the sidelines.
  

Motherhood: A Choice, Not a Trap

Mother’s Day 2025 should be more than a celebration—it should be a wake-up call. Women deserve the right to define motherhood on their own terms. That means systemic change, societal support, and a culture shift that stops seeing mothers as one-dimensional caregivers.

So, this year, by all means say celebrate the mums in your life, but mostly commit to real change. We have too many mothers missing themselves massively, rarely having time, resources or energy to put themselves first. This year, remind all the mothers that as well as excellent mothers they are more than a mum.