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Calvin Manika
A new survey from WorldRemit, a leading digital remittances company within the Zepz Group, has found that 44% of migrants wish that Mother’s Day was celebrated on the same day around the world – pointing to the cultural difficulties faced by those who live in a different country to their mother.
Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates across the world, ranging from the second Sunday of February in Norway to the 15th of October in Malawi.
The multi-country survey was conducted in February with 3,000 participants, with a focus on understanding how migrants celebrate their relationship with their mothers.
WorldRemit said International money senders aged 18 and above voluntarily responded to a 22 question survey in February about the role of their mother in their lives and their remittance behaviors.
“The survey took place on the Attest platform and resulted in 3,000 responses from people who celebrate Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States of America. Those who responded that they do not celebrate Mother’s Day were exited from the survey to create a viable participant base,” said WorldRemit.
Mother’s Day Timings
The most popular Mother’s Day celebrations dates are the fourth week of Lent in March (such as in the United Kingdom and Nigeria), and the second Sunday in May (such as in Zimbabwe, the United States of America South Africa, and Australia).
The survey found that while 95% of respondents celebrate Mother’s Day, nearly a quarter (23%) agree that it is easy to forget when Mother’s Day is celebrated in their family’s country of origin.
While the majority of respondents (44%) celebrate Mother’s Day on the day their country of residence celebrates, over a third of respondents (35%) noted that they celebrate Mother’s Day twice a year; recognising the celebratory date in their family’s country of origin, in addition to the country they currently reside in.
44% of respondents agree that they wish that Mother’s Day was celebrated on the same day around the world.
The Impact of Mothers
WorldRemit knows that mothers and motherly figures serve as the golden thread through many people’s lives, often shape-shifting as confidantes, advisors, friends, and caretakers.
WorldRemit’s survey found that 97% of respondents agree that their mother has been influential in shaping them as a person. In addition, 97% of respondents agree that their mother had helped them to get to where they are in their lives currently. Finally, 96% of respondents agree that their mother supports them in their life choices.
When asked to describe their mother in three words, responses from participants included “trustworthy”, “devoted”, “strong”, and “selfless”.
Gifting on Mother’s Day
WorldRemit’s survey revealed that the most popular way to celebrate Mother’s Day is by sending a gift, which 72% of respondents stated is how they would mark the day. Other popular celebrations included eating out and a family visit.
Flowers were revealed as the most popular gift choice, with 63% of respondents citing that they planned on giving flowers on Mother’s Day. 57% of participants noted that they would be sending their mother money on Mother’s Day.
This Mother’s Day, WorldRemit encourages people around the world to celebrate their mothers or motherly figure; perhaps by sending her a small gift, or written note of appreciation to say “thank you”.