Introducing International Solo Mothers By Choice Day: A Global Celebration of Family, Freedom & Love

Guest blog by Lisa - co-founder of International Solo Mothers by Choice Day

This year, for the very first time, solo mothers and solo parents by choice around the world will celebrate International Solo Mothers By Choice Day (ISMBCD) and International Solo Parent By Choice Day (ISPBCD) - A global day of celebration and recognition of the growing number of parents who boldly and lovingly choose to raise children on their own.

So, how can you get involved?

Here are five ways to celebrate the inaugural International Solo Mothers By Choice Day...

1. Celebrate with your SMBC tribe

Host or attend a solo mum get-together in your local area. November is the perfect time of year for a picnic in the park, and who better to celebrate ISMBCD with than your fellow badass solo mums! A solo mum village is a wonderful source of support in this journey, and there are so many ways to connect with other SMBCs, both in person or online.

2. Treat yourself 

Hello Mother's Day take two! A massage, your favourite meal, that cute top you've had your eye on... Whatever makes you feel special - you deserve it! ISMBCD is a day to recognise the incredible individuals who take this path. Solo motherhood is amazing but challenging, and you deserve to be recognised, celebrated and treated (and the best part of being the one to treat yourself - you're sure to get exactly what you want!)

3. Share a special experience with your little loves

They are the reason we all enter into solo motherhood and the greatest reward we could imagine. There would be no ISMBCD without our little (or big) loves who made us mothers, so take this opportunity to share some special quality time with your children. Celebrate the family you have built and the path you took to create them!

4. Tell your story

Every solo mum story tells the tale of incredible love, devotion and resilience on the journey to parenthood. Independent women taking their future and happiness into their own hands... What's not to love? Tell your story loud and proud! Sharing your story helps to raise awareness of solo motherhood and inspire others. If you’re in Australia, share in person, on the 'No Need for Prince Charming' podcast, and anywhere share on social media using the hashtags #ISMBCD #ISPBCD #FamilyEquality

5. Spread awareness of diverse families with your children and their education settings

Take this opportunity to chat to your children about their donor conception and broader diverse family structures to reinforce that there are many ways to make a family and all families are beautiful and special. Books are a great way to introduce the topic at home or to share with your child's childcare centre or school to spread awareness. 

Ideas for books can be found here, including My Perfect Family.

And if you're looking for more ways to get involved...

Advocate for reproductive justice and equal legal protection. 

In Australia, the Family Law Act still assumes every child has two legal parents. It has not been updated since single women gained the legal right to access fertility treatment. This gap means that while heterosexual and same-sex couples who conceive with donor sperm are protected by law (the donor is not recognised as a parent), solo mothers and their children are excluded from this same legal certainty and recognition.

The result? Solo mothers’ families - one of the largest groups using donor conception - remain invisible in the law, leaving both mothers and children without equal protection. 

ISMBCD is not just a celebration, it is also a call to action: to demand family equality, reproductive justice and overdue legal reform. 

You can read more in The Saturday Paper and join the growing coalition of voices lobbying for change here.

About ISMBCD:

International Solo Mothers By Choice Day (ISMBCD) and International Solo Parents By Choice Day (ISPBCD) were initially founded by a grassroots group of seven South Australian solo mothers by choice in collaboration with various national and international advocacy and parenting groups, including Solo Mum Society.

The date was chosen to recognise the day Hon Ian Hunter, South Australian Labor Member of Parliament, introduced the Statutes Amendment (Surrogacy Eligibility) Bill into the Legislative Council of South Australia on November 17, 2016. The Bill amended several acts under the guiding principle that people seeking to undergo assisted reproductive treatment must not be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation, marital status, or religion.

To find out more or connect with International Solo Mothers by Choice Day to show your support:

Email: hello@internationalsmbcday.org

Website: https://www.internationalsmbcday.org

Instagram: @smbc_official_

A note from Alisha Burns, Founder of Solo Mum Society

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible women who made this celebration possible. International Solo Mothers By Choice Day was brought to life by seven incredible South Australian solo mums who have poured their time, energy, and hearts into making this happen.

These women tirelessly juggle the demands of their careers and families, while also advocating for change that will benefit not only their own children, but all of our families for generations to come. Their commitment, courage, and determination are nothing short of inspiring.

On behalf of solo mothers and solo parents by choice everywhere, thank you for creating this moment in history for us to come together, celebrate, and continue pushing for equality. I look forward to celebrating our awesome families this year and in the years to come.

With gratitude,
Alisha Burns
Founder, Solo Mum Society