MINNEAPOLIS — Reshma Saujani, executive producer of the documentary film No Country for Mothers, spoke at a screening in Minneapolis in June. During the event, Saujani stated that mechanisms intended to divide women make it "impossible to be a mom" in America.

No Country for Mothers is being screened at community venues across the U.S. instead of on streaming platforms or at film festivals. Saujani said, "We've been intentionally divided and distracted through culture wars, and mostly I think a lot by politicians, and now I would say influencers and tech companies." She added, "And so I think that the only way to beat back the culture wars is to get moms to come together." Former President Donald Trump previously commented on childcare, saying, "You [have] got to let a state take care of daycare, and they should pay for it, too." Responding to such views, Saujani said, "They had no fucking clue how to answer that question."

Following the Minneapolis screening, Minnesota State Senator Alice Mann participated in a panel discussion. Mann, who authored Minnesota's new paid leave law, stated that the U.S. is currently experiencing a period of opposition to women's advancement. She cited the overturning of Roe v. Wade as one example. Mann noted that no Republicans voted for the paid leave law in Minnesota, and not all Democrats supported it either.

Why It Matters

The film No Country for Mothers and its associated screenings highlight an effort to unite mothers across political divides to advocate for policies supporting parental needs. The tour aims to directly engage communities by screening the film in local venues rather than through traditional distribution channels. The discussions at these events, such as the one in Minneapolis, provide a platform for organizers to promote their perspectives on challenges faced by mothers in the U.S.