Warrior mothers: lived experiences of Bangladeshi mothers of children with physical disability

Article

Malek, F., King, J. and Edwards, N.. 2025. "Warrior mothers: lived experiences of Bangladeshi mothers of children with physical disability." Disability and Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2025.2564959
Article Title

Warrior mothers: lived experiences of Bangladeshi mothers of children with physical disability

ERA Journal ID35345
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsMalek, F., King, J. and Edwards, N.
Journal TitleDisability and Society
Number of Pages22
Year2025
PublisherTaylor & Francis
ISSN0968-7599
1360-0508
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2025.2564959
Web Address (URL)https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2025.2564959
Abstract

Through the eyes of 28 mothers, this article reports on research that explored the strengths and challenges of caring for children with physical disabilities in Bangladesh. An interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted. The study revealed that while mothers bore the brunt of domestic and caring work, their symbiotic relationship with their children brought joy and ultimately resilience. The intersection of multiple oppressed identities linked to gender, motherhood, disability, poverty, cultural beliefs, and religion powerfully combined; while mothers struggled, did cope and manage. Rather than remaining fragile without voice, agency or hope, mothers were driven by a deep love for their children, and they emerged as ‘warriors’. They not only survived society’s harsh challenges but became inventive, creative disability advocates for their children.

KeywordsMothers; Children with disability; Intersectionality; Strengths; Stigma; Bangladesh
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020440999. Social work not elsewhere classified
Byline AffiliationsQueensland University of Technology
School of Psychology and Wellbeing
Centre for Health Research
Strategic Academic Projects
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