On this International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate the greatest hero in my life — my mother, Amtal.

My mother is a woman of extraordinary strength, resilience, and unwavering principles. She may stand at just 4’11”, but her presence is far greater. She carries herself with dignity, pride, and courage that inspires everyone who knows her.

Today, my mother lives a peaceful and independent life in a small village called Kotha, in the Gujrat district of Punjab, Pakistan. She spends her days tending to her small plot of land, growing her own food, nurturing her beautiful flowers, and caring for her chickens and beloved dog. After years of hardship and struggle, she now enjoys the quiet life she always deserved — a life she built through resilience and hard work.

The values that shaped me

My mother’s greatest gift to me wasn’t just her love — it was her wisdom. She believed that strength is measured not by power or status, but by how you treat others.

She taught me to stand up for those who can’t defend themselves, to never compromise on my values, and to remain humble no matter how much success I achieve.

I remember her telling me, “Never bow before small men in big offices.” She believed that respect should be earned through character, not through titles or wealth. This principle has stayed with me throughout my life — in my career, in politics, and in my relationships.

Whenever I faced tough decisions or difficult people, her voice echoed in my mind: “Do what’s right, even if you stand alone.”

Her unshakable spirit

My mother’s strength was never loud or aggressive — it was calm, firm, and unshakable. She faced life’s challenges with quiet determination, never asking for sympathy or praise.

Even during her most difficult moments, she never allowed bitterness to take root. Instead, she turned her struggles into strength — not just for herself, but for others too.

She became a guiding light in her community, opening her home to those in need. Whether it was vulnerable women, transgender individuals rejected by society, or the poor seeking comfort, my mother’s door was always open. Her compassion was boundless, and her home became a place of warmth and safety for so many.

A quiet source of strength

There were moments in my life when I felt lost — times when I doubted myself and questioned my purpose. Yet, my mother’s quiet strength always brought me back.

Even when I moved to the UK, struggling to find my place and grappling with uncertainty, her advice remained with me: “Don’t give up, keep going.”

Her belief in me never wavered. When I stumbled, she reminded me that I was capable of standing tall again. No matter how difficult things became, she knew I had the strength to overcome it — and because of her faith in me, I believed it too.

Today, I run two successful businesses, I’m happily married, and I’ve built a life of purpose — a life that reflects the values my mother taught me.

A beacon of hope

My mother’s legacy isn’t just her children — it’s the lives she’s touched. Despite her own struggles, she dedicated herself to helping others. She became an advocate for women’s rights, equality, and dignity in her community.

While others turned away from the most vulnerable members of society, my mother welcomed them. She believed that everyone deserves kindness and respect, no matter their background or circumstances.

Her compassion wasn’t just a gesture — it was a way of life. She didn’t offer pity; she offered empowerment. She didn’t believe in giving people a handout — she believed in giving them hope, dignity, and a path forward.

Her promise of peace

For years, my mother would say that when her children turned seven years old, she would finally find peace — as if that milestone symbolized that her sacrifices had paid off.

I never truly understood what she meant until recently.

Today, I am 30 years old, yet in many ways, I still feel like that 7-year-old boy she nurtured, protected, and believed in. My mother has carried the weight of our family on her shoulders for so long, yet she never once let it break her.

Mother, we are 7 years old now. You have nothing to worry about.

The strength you gave me — the courage you taught me — now carries me forward. You no longer need to carry the burden alone.

I know you still worry, still wonder if I’ll be okay. But I promise you — because of you — I am strong enough to face whatever lies ahead.

On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate you — my mother, my hero, and the greatest inspiration of my life.

* Mo Waqas is Chair of the Lib Dem’s Stockton branch and was the PPC for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East.