To mark International Women’s Day, the United Nations Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, BabyCenter, and The Huffington Post are launching the Global Moms Relay through Mother’s Day on May 11.
The Global Moms Relay is a virtual relay whose purpose is to inspire moms in the U.S. to take actions that help improve the lives of mothers and children around the world.
“We all know that moms have the power to change the world – in their communities, homes and hemispheres,” says Aaron Sherinian, vice president of communications and public relations at the UN Foundation. “The Global Moms Relay gives moms, as global change makers, a chance to make a difference in the lives of women and children around the world by mobilizing their voices and their networks. Their stories and their actions will drive awareness and action on some of the most urgent issues of our time as we support the UN and its partners in building a better, healthier world for everyone, everywhere.”
Following the success of last year’s relay, a number of inspirational voices are joining the conversation this year, including Amanda Peet, Annie Lennox, Priyanka Chopra, and Toyin Saraki, who will share their stories of how a mom changed their lives. Each time a post is shared through social networks, Johnson & Johnson will donate $1 to raise up to $250,000 to support one of three global initiatives:
• The Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA): For millions of mothers living in poverty, access to vital health information is a matter of life or death. MAMA delivers important and actionable health messages to new and expectant mothers so they can keep themselves and their babies healthy;
• Shot@Life: Every 20 seconds a child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease, such as pneumonia or measles. The Shot@Life campaign works to protect children worldwide by providing life-saving vaccines;
• Girl Up: Medical complications from pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death among girls ages 15-19 worldwide — the majority of these girls are married. Girl Up is a campaign that inspires teens to raise awareness and funds for UN programs that help girls around the world have a chance to go to school, see a doctor, and stay safe from violence.
The Global Moms Relay co-chairs include Jennifer Lopez, actress, singer, and co-founder of the Lopez Family Foundation; Lynda Lopez, journalist and co-Founder of the Lopez Family Foundation; Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group; Pat Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of the Paley Center for Media; Sarah Colamarino, vice president, strategic partnerships for Johnson & Johnson; and Aaron Sherinian, vice president of communications and public relations at the United Nations Foundation.
“Moms everywhere all want the same thing for their children, which is to keep them safe and healthy, and raise them in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential,” says Sarah Colamarino. “This is at the heart and soul of Johnson & Johnson and we are excited to help bring moms together to improve the lives of women and children.”
“At BabyCenter, we provide moms with trusted advice – and foster friendships with other moms – empowering them, no matter their personal situation, geography or resources,” said Colleen Hancock, BabyCenter’s Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to harnessing the power of our 37 million moms by creating a Global Moms Relay blog channel and sweepstakes, inspiring moms to share their personal stories of making the world a better place, activating other moms to do the same, and triggering social action and donations on a grand scale.”
While the challenges are monumental, there is hope. By raising awareness and funds, we can together help improve the health of women and children around the world in support of the UN Secretary-General’s Every Woman Every Child movement. Join the Global Moms Relay to change lives and create a better, healthier world for generations to come.
Find out more here.
