Home | The Motherload Project

Many hands from toddler to adult coming together, fingers touching

Changing care work, from the ground up. This is how we make a difference.

Shaping new narratives and mindsets to influence policies, principles and practices – through research rooted in lived reality, compassion and collaboration.

Our work

For a just, inclusive future. Real impact starts with collective action.

Bringing together researchers, decision-makers, advocacy groups and communities to build a world where mothers can truly thrive – economically, socially and personally.

Our purpose

Caring together. How can you help create change?

Join us in our collective efforts to ensure that care work – the foundation of our societies – is recognised, valued and equitably shared. Learn how you can make a difference.

Get involved

What's new

The latest updates showcasing our work, engagements and ongoing research.

In the media: Work + Family Researchers Network (WFRN)

Ameeta Jaga presenting at Big Ideas Talk

Watch: Why Policies Must Recognize Care Realities – Ameeta Jaga at Big Ideas Talk

The Motherload Project has entered phase two, which will include the perspectives of a valuable figure in the family: the father.

The Motherload Project levels up – includes fathers’ voices to effect change

All news

Creating change together

Our work brings together a diverse network of stakeholders connected to The Motherload.

We strive to generate impactful knowledge and foster meaningful connections.

Our focus areas are:

Research
Policy
Activism
Healing

Our work Partners and funders

Chart with five segments representing stakeholders of the project

Video

Learn more about our approach through this short video, featuring highlights from our first exhibition.

Motherload Exhibition 2023

Resources

Discover the comprehensive resources we have created on the topic of The Motherload, thoughtfully prepared and ready for your use.

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How it started

Our project was conceptualised during COVID-19 ...

... when we saw quantitative econometric data that was pointing to how mothers had lost the majority of jobs in South Africa. Of over three million jobs, two million were lost by women, many of them mothers in precarious work. This pointed to vulnerabilities like hunger and mental health struggles. We wanted to go beyond the numbers and truly centre mothers' voices, taking a grounded approach rooted in our Southern context and understanding the nuance and complexity of these mothers' lived realities. Past research shows that when policies are developed, they often have a middle-class bias and don't reach the citizens who need to benefit the most from these policies.

Prof. Ameeta Jaga – founding member of The Motherload Project

Female and male person sitting in the yard on bright green children's plastic chairs

^{Picture: The Motherload Project / Photovoice#2024-Support-029}