During the pandemic, Maria Stern began interviewing single-parent organizations on every continent for the first time in 2021. The goal was to get to know each other and learn from one another. THANKS Day now has contacts with over 30 organizations in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
This work gained international recognition when Stern was invited as a speaker to the first single mothers' event at the UN Women's Conference CSW69 in New York in March 2025 and was one of the few associations allowed to represent Europe at the first global symposium for single parent associations in October 2025 (Leon, Spain).
The organization of the first two THANKS Summits went smoothly. The third summit almost fell through... many cancellations and organizations that had firmly committed and then never got back to us.
The global uncertainty and the overwhelming challenges faced by individual actors are palpable here as well. All the greater, then, is the pleasure of presenting those who made the impossible possible. The search for interview partners continues, and the contributions will be added accordingly.
THANKS Summit 2025
Riccarda Zezza, CEO & Founder "Lifeed"
Italien
„Nobody ever told me that being a mother could make me a better manager."
Stanisha Stankovikj, Representative of "Youth of Diverse Families"
Nord Mazedonien
„Our organization already cooperates with many national, international, regional youth networks, as the voice of single parents and one-parent families and their children.“
Cynthia Casarrubias
Founder & CEO Single Parent Families Queretaro
Mexico
"So, even today, families with only one child, and the father alone in charge of the children, are still viewed with a lot of prejudice."
„So even today we are still confronted with the great mess of prejudice about families, where the mother or the father is alone caring for the children.“
Project Director at Make Mothers Matter
Belgien/International
„In France we know that suicide is the first leading death of mothers in the first year after having a baby. It`s crazy.“
Eva Maria Mad & Konstanze Steiner-Thuma
Founders of MOYO
Tanzania & Zanzibar
"You can see that, regardless of social class or country, we all look at our children with the same love."
“You can see that, regardless of social class or country, we all look at our children with the same love.”
Radio Now 2025
International Conferences 2025
First global symposium for single parent associations in Leon/Spain
Manifest
International Manifesto for Equality, Visibility and Support of Single Parents.
Joint Declaration of 31 October 2025.
The 1st Global Symposium of Single Parent Associations, organized by the Isadora Duncan Foundation, took place in León, Spain, from October 29th to 31st, 2025. Representatives from organizations in Morocco, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Austria, North Macedonia, Spain, and Scotland participated.
The following associations have signed the manifesto for equality, visibility and support for single-parent families:
- Isadora Duncan Foundation (Spain) – María García
- 100% Mothers (Morocco) – Assia Morabet
- Single Mother Families (Australia) – Terese Edwards
- Council of Single Mothers and their Children (Australia) – Jenny Davidson
- Single-Parent Family Hub (Canada) – Marie-Josée Racine
- Association of Single-Parent Families of Querétaro (Mexico) – Cynthia Casarruvias
- City of Women and League of Displaced Women (Colombia) – Patricia Guerrero
- Solidarity Association with Single Mothers (Spain) – Carmen Flores
- Youth of Diverse Families (North Macedonia) – Stanisha Stankovikj
- Thanks Day (Austria) – Maria Stern
- Fagamos (Spain) – Inmaculada Alonso
- Amasol (Spain) – Patricia Durán
One Parent Families Scotland (United Kingdom) – Umar Ansari
MANIFEST
We reaffirm our commitment to the dignity, rights and actual equality of all single parents, regardless of origin, culture, economic status or personal circumstances.
Single-parent families are an indispensable pillar of our societies. They manage daily life with great dedication and strength, providing care and raising children – often under conditions of inequality and without the recognition they deserve.
Every day we encounter structural barriers that hinder our access to resources, the compatibility of work and family life, and our full participation in social and economic life.
Worldwide, millions of households are now headed by a single person, usually a single mother, who bears full responsibility for raising, supporting, and providing for her family. Despite our indispensable contribution to society as single parents and the tireless efforts required to maintain a single-parent household, we continue to face structural inequalities that affect our well-being and that of our families: the consequences of gender inequality, limited access to work-life balance measures, workplace discrimination, inadequate financial support, and a lack of social visibility.
This situation not only limits our options, but also prevents the full recognition of the value and importance of our families in building more just and equal societies.
In many countries, single parents continue to be disproportionately affected by poverty, especially female-headed families.
Child poverty, a direct consequence of their parents' economic hardship, violates fundamental rights and perpetuates cycles of inequality across generations.
Housing problems – the difficult access to adequate housing, housing insecurity and the risk of eviction – further exacerbate the social and emotional exclusion of millions of mothers, fathers and children.
We therefore call for the adoption of urgent, comprehensive and coordinated political measures that guarantee universal access to adequate housing, a sufficient income for a life of dignity and concrete measures to eliminate child poverty.
Only through genuine political will on the part of states and international cooperation can we ensure that no single-parent family is left behind.
For this reason, the organizations gathered here pursue the common goal of supporting single-parent families and strengthening their voice in social, legal and economic policy.
We demand the legal and social recognition of all single parents as fundamental actors in society, as well as the implementation of inclusive and fair political measures that guarantee equal opportunities in education, employment, health and housing.
We demand concrete support for reconciling work and family life that effectively meets the needs of single parents, as well as greater visibility and social recognition that promotes a cultural shift that values and acknowledges the diversity and richness of our families.
We condemn economic violence as a form of structural violence that directly affects the autonomy and stability of single parents.
We condemn this reality and demand effective mechanisms for prevention, protection and reparation, as well as legal and social frameworks that guarantee the fulfillment of financial obligations and the right to a dignified, violence-free life for all.
We reaffirm our right to produce and consume culture, to actively participate in artistic, scientific, and social developments, and our right to recreation—both with our children and within our own four walls. Enjoyment, recreation, and access to cultural life should not be privileges for a select few, but fundamental rights that promote the holistic well-being of single parents and contribute to a more balanced, happier, and stronger society.
We call for international cooperation to exchange experiences, strengthen our common voice and demand a clear and concrete commitment from governments, institutions and civil society to all single parents.
Together we want to work towards a fairer, more equal and more inclusive world, in which their value, diversity and dignity are fully recognized.
Together we reaffirm our commitment to the dignity, equality and well-being of all single parents, convinced that together we can change society and strengthen our voice.
León, October 31, 2025
Presentation of the Make Mothers Matter study on mothers in Europe at the EU Parliament in Brussels/Belgium
Study
Link to the study: https://makemothersmatter.org/mmm-state-of-motherhood-in-europe-2024/
First event for single mothers at the UN Women's Conference in New York/USA
Speech
"Who walks the red carpet can no longer be swept under the carpet.“
1. My Story
16 years ago, I would never have dreamed of organizing a gala for single moms, some dads and their children. 16 years ago I was a happily divorced woman. I finally had my peace and my three little children too. Then came the letter. My ex-husband wrote, that he would no longer be able to pay alimony to our three children and the nightmare began.
It took 1.5 years before I received adequate state support for my children instead of alimony. Austria is one of the richest countries in the world. But at that time 17% of children of single moms received neither alimony nor state support.
In this time of poverty because of a bad law I could hardly sleep and I cried, when my children didn`t see. I was angry, I was desperate, I felt like an old woman and I was so dizzy that I couldn`t move my head left or right. Which was impractical with three kids and my job as a teacher.
My children understood the situation. They understood why I always said: „No, no, no…we can not effort this, we can not effort that.“ So they even did not realy dare to ask me to buy exercise books or new pens for school. Going to swim or buying an ice cream was luxury. And I knew: “If I don't fight back, I'll get sick.”
2. Politics
I became a political activist. I founded an association, collected signatures and celebrities for my petition to modernize the maintenance law. For one year I stood every Wednesday for one hour in front of the Austrian parliament with my shield in my hands. So the media began to take notice. They wrote about me and invited me to talkshows. So I slowly made the issue become a topic. The journalist Nadja Sarwat wrote: “Maria Stern is a suffragette of single moms.”
I spoke to politicians of all parties (except the far-right-ones) and they all said: “Oh, how bad! We didn't know that! We will change that law!” But they didn´t. So I went into politics myself. I made the issues of single moms and child poverty a political topic during the naional election 2017 and one year later I the became chairwoman of a parliamentary party „JETZT“.
As a top politician I was interviewd a lot and I turned EVERY subject like economics, traffic, housing, education, health, security or environment into an issue of single moms. That means one simple thing: we need more single moms in politics.
Because one who does not face the struggles we do, can simply imagine them. Ist like living on a different planet. So no one will do political work for us. Of course it costs energy we dont have. Of course it costs time we dont have. But you know what? Because of my political work my suffering turned into sense. That gave me power, gave me respect and one sunny day it gave me money.
I faced both: being a working poor single mom AND being a top politician. And I tell you today to make this very clear: as a single mom I worked more than a top politician and I had more responsability .
That makes the next thing clear: we need to change our look at single moms. We need to change their image. Then good laws will follow. Single moms are the benchmark of women's policy. Only when single moms are doing well women's policy is a success. Single moms are the benchmark.
3. Lady Liberty
Yesterday I saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time, although I love her for a very lomg time. She is a woman. For me, she is a single mom. She carries the torch of freedom and brings light in old habits, thought patterns and toxic laws. In her other hand, she holds words. She knows what she is doing.
Single moms want their freedom. That means time and money. So they need good laws.
4. „Bastard“
I did not understand why so many single moms suffer from poverty and isolation and no one really cares. I was sure that this must have historical reasons, so I started to do research. Because the history of single moms is non written yet. Although we have always been there. „Falling moms“ and their „bastards“ existed at any time and in every country.
I wrote the text „Bastard“ with storys from Greek mythology to Christianity and fairy tales. From middle Age until now.
Then I looked around to see what the situation is in the present time: in Austria, USA, Turkey, Iran, Brazil, Ukrain, China or Afrika. I published the text as an audiobook at spotify and Apple Podcast. You can take the text for free. It`s over there. You can write it further or bring it on stage. That would be wonderful.
We need to know our history in order to take off our heavy backpack we carry without guilt.
5. Potential
For over 2,000 years, single moms and their children have been marginalized, exploited and discriminated against. This must stop. We need their potential. In a world that is falling appart, we need our full potential.
If Shakespeare had been a single mom, would he have written a single play? If Albert Einstein had been a single mom, would we know his name today? If Mozart had been a single mom, who would have written The Magic Flute? If Donald Trump was a single mom, would he act like he does?
It is simply stupid to do without the potential of single mothers. They are masters of resilience, they are THE top performers in all nations. Focused, efficient, flexible, responsible, emphatic and solution-oriented. I was once asked by our party founder why I was so focused, efficient, flexible, responsible, emphatic and solution-oriented in my political work. Why I didn't get involved in hours of fruitless debates and internal power struggles. My answer was: Well, I am a single mom.
6. Thanks Day
After my time in politics, I founded the organization THANKS DAY- World Day for Single Parent Families & Friends. I wanted attention and acknowledgement and appreciation for single moms and their children.
So I organized THANKS Summits, the first online conferences for singlemom- organizations in history. Through the summits I got connected with about 30 Single Mom Organizations worldwilde and I definitly want to connect them all. To learn from each other, and to strenghen each other.
I organized the first THANKS Gala last may in Vienna, where we rolled out the red carpet for single moms. I am sure: „Who walks he red carpet can not longer be swept under the carpet.“ The response was overwhelming. Brands like L'Oréal or Lindt Chocolate were immediately on board. That gave me hope.
7. Call to Action
Trump confuses the world right now. The singer-songwriter Joan Baez once said: „Action is the medicine for despair.“ So let’s not lose our nerves and use the challenges as an opportunity to propose brandnew visions. My vision since Covid is to build the first global network for single moms and their organizations. Therefore we need all of you and money. There at the table we have lists. If you want to join, you can share your adress to join the movement.
This month we all wrote the first manifesto for single moms in history. Now its up to the United Nation to implement it. We can help. I‘m so ready. Thank you.
New York, March 13, 2025
THANKS Summit 2024
Available on YouTube with and without subtitles
Ljuba Wangen - LSB
Ukraine
"What's most important? To take the pressure off women. Also because they are responsible for the children who are growing up."
"Was ist das Wichtigste? Den Druck von den Frauen zu nehmen. Auch weil sie die Verantwortung für ihre heranwachsenden Kinder tragen."
Yulia Arnautova - PR "Nassiliu net"
Russland
"What I want most is for people to be more inquisitive, less trusting. I want critical thinking."
"Mein größter Wunsch ist, dass die Menschen neugieriger werden und nicht so viel Vertrauen haben. Ich wünsche mir kritisches Denken."
Ronny Kokert - Martial Arts World Champion, Shinergy, Author
Austria
"Being able to fight means not having to fight anymore."
Edit Schlaffer - Founder & Chair “Women without Borders”
Austria/International
"I think it's time for society to wake up. And to feel this power. To feel that the social capital that [single] mothers invest in their work – which is taken for granted – is essentially a survival mechanism. It's not just a survival mechanism for women in their everyday lives – it's about the survival of society."
Kat Curtin - Executive Director Single Mother by Choice
New York City
"I want to thank single mothers for having the courage and fortitude for going down this path because the more people that do it, the more it opens up the choice for other people."
"I would like to thank single mothers for having the courage and strength to take this path, because the more people do this, the more opportunities open up for other people."
Eliška Kodyšová - CEO "Aperio"
Czech Republic
"Chtěla bych poděkovat svobodným matkám a jejich dětem za to, že jsou tak odolné. Myslím, že se často dostávají do situace, kdy musí překračovat své comfortní zóny a hledat nová řešení v obtížných situacích."
"I would like to thank single mothers and their children for being so resilient. I think they are often in a situation where they have to step outside their comfort zone and find new solutions in difficult situations."
Andrea Czak - Founder & Chairwoman of "Fem.a"
Austria
"First, we need to introduce a child support guarantee; this is absolutely crucial to lifting children out of poverty. Another important demand of ours is that violence perpetrated by the ex-partner must be taken into account. There should be no joint custody if violence is involved."
Ida Lanbacher - Vice President of the "South Tyrolean Platform for Single Parents"
Italy
"I think it's very important that single parents and their children become increasingly aware of their own history. So that they understand why the burden they suddenly carry is so heavy. Also, to better understand the present and have the strength to fight together for better conditions."
Report from Hungary
Hungary
"I would rather not say publicly how single parents and their children are doing in Hungary. The consequences could be too great."
Hungarian person
"Ich möchte lieber nicht öffentlich sagen, wie es Alleinerziehenden und ihren Kindern in Ungarn geht. Die Konsektionen können zu hoch sein."
A person from Hungary
Roman Braun - Coach, bestselling author, founder of “Trinergy International”
Austria
"What makes people resilient? Three things: doing good, gratitude & meditation."
Radio Orange 2024
Webinar Fem.a 2023
THANKS Summit 2021
Austria
"Single mothers bear their family responsibilities alone! That's why they need special support from politicians and society!"“
Kuni Koyama, Founder & CEO "Little Ones"
Japan
「あなたの家の外にも同盟国があることを忘れないでください。
"Japan is considered a rich country, but there are many single-parent families who suffer from poverty."
Littleones is working hard to fulfill the wishes of mothers and the hopes of children as much as possible.
We are a small organization, but we will continue to be an ally for mothers and children. Don't forget that you have allies outside your home, too.
Eva Yoo Ri Brussard, Director of "Single SuperMom"
The Netherlands
"It is at times like these that many single mothers feel completely lost. So I would say, let's bundle up and move on! "
"At times like these many single mothers feel completely lost. To this I would say, let's join forces and move forward! “
Ingrid Levavasseur, Founder of "Positive Roots"
France
"It is solidarity that unites us."
“Es ist die Solidarität, die uns eint..”
Jenny Davidson, CEO of the Council of Single Mothers and their Children
Australia
"Financial hardship is one of the key issues facing single parent families in Australia."
"Financial hardship is one of the main problems for single-parent families in Australia."
Erich Fenninger, Director of "Volkshilfe"
Austria
"Who are the true high achievers in our country? Those with high incomes and wealth? No, they are those who are there for others. Like single parents, who deserve every recognition, but also every support. Maria Stern is doing outstanding work for this group, and Volkshilfe is a close partner on many levels."
Paul Lwanga, Executive Director SPAU
Uganda
“I started my organization because I grew up in a single parent family where I used to see my mother struggling for maintenance.”
"I founded my organization because I grew up in a single-parent family where my mother had to fight for her livelihood."
Marie Lwanga, SPAU Volunteer
Uganda
"The situation was really difficult. So one of the things that we did as Single Parents Association was that food aid was provided to families, things like soap, sugar..."
"The situation was really difficult. That's why, among other things, we as an association ensured that the families were supplied with food, soap and sugar..."
Maria Rösslhumer, Managing Director AÖF
Austria
"The better single mothers are protected, the more women will have the courage to separate from abusers."
Anna Parr, Secretary General Caritas
Austria/International
Single parents are managers and true organizational talents. They make countless decisions every day and carry a great deal of responsibility. They are strong, partly because they have to be. They need our support. We can ensure that they don't feel alone. We must do so.
Gisella Bassanini, President of Small Families
Italy
“Qualunque sia la sua composizione, ogni nucleo familiare ha dignità di Famiglia.”
"However they are composed, every family unit has the dignity of a family."
Austria
"Single parents and their children are families who should be treated equally to two-parent families."
Birgit Uhlworm, Managing Director SHIA Brandenburg
Germany
"Single parents are competent, reliable, committed, broad
Well-positioned, flexible and resilient – an economic treasure.
which society will permanently lose without appropriate support.
Therefore, single parents need a lobby and must be considered by politicians and administrators."
Julia Stadlbauer, Board Member ÖPA
Austria
"Since the Corona crisis, single parents have been under even greater strain than before, and their reserves are now depleted. The ongoing struggle of single parents against poverty, social isolation, illness and burnout can only be ended at a societal level. A good life is built on just social conditions."
OKTO TV
September 27, 2013
Puls4 Elephant Round
September 24, 2017
Cross-party press conference September 2017