World Day of Mothers and Fathers

This day is commemorated as a global tribute to the foundation of the family.

This June 1st commemorates World Day of Parents, a date proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 with the aim of recognizing the fundamental role that mothers and fathers play in the upbringing, protection, and education of their children.

Although in many countries there are local celebrations for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day separately, this commemoration seeks to highlight the joint importance of both family pillars as the basis for the social and emotional development of future generations.

The World Day of Mothers and Fathers

It is not commercial in nature, but rather invites reflection on the challenges and responsibilities involved in starting a family, especially in contexts of social, economic, or migratory vulnerability. The United Nations highlights that care work is often made invisible, poorly remunerated, or undervalued, despite being essential for the well-being of societies.

In our country, where the family structure has been changing over time, it is increasingly common to find households headed by single mothers, grandparents, or guardians, which represents a great challenge in terms of institutional support and public policies.

According to data from the National Statistics Office (ONE), more than 38% of Dominican households are headed by women, which highlights the additional burden that many mothers take on alone. At the same time, social organizations have pointed out the need to reinforce the active participation of fathers in raising children, beyond economic support, encouraging their emotional and educational involvement in the development of their children.

Although Mother’s Day is traditionally celebrated in the country on the last Sunday of May and Father’s Day on the last of July, this worldwide commemoration on June 1st offers a unique opportunity to thank both for their complementary role in the formation of the home. It also invites us to look beyond the celebration and reflect on what concrete support is being provided to Dominican fathers and mothers from the State and society.

From different organizations and media, calls are made to strengthen labor reconciliation policies, extend maternity and paternity leave, and promote co-responsibility at home as key tools for raising healthier, safer children with better opportunities.

In a constantly changing world, maternal and paternal figures, in any of their forms, continue to be the first emotional, educational, and affective refuge for human beings.

This June 1st, recognition is not just a symbolic gesture: it is a reminder of the commitment that society must have with those who care for, guide, and accompany from the first day.