Are All Women Called to Be Mothers? Exploring the Feminine Genius and Its Role in Society

"Are all women called to be mothers? Is female intuition a real thing? Can women change the heart of society?" These are big questions, and while the answers may seem obvious to some, they carry profound meaning and implications for how we understand the beauty of womanhood and the unique gifts women bring to the world.

Let’s begin with a quote from Edith Stein, a philosopher and saint, who said, "Woman naturally seeks to embrace that which is living, personal, and whole. To cherish, guard, protect, nourish, and advance growth is her natural, maternal yearning." On the surface, this may ruffle some feathers. Is she really saying that all women have a maternal yearning?

Yes, in one way or another, all women are called to be mothers. But what does this mean?

The Gift of Motherhood: More Than Just Biology

Biologically, women are created to be mothers. We have the incredible gift and responsibility of growing and sustaining human life. But there’s more to it than just the physical ability to bear children. Motherhood isn’t limited to biology. It’s also a spiritual and emotional calling that all women can embrace, regardless of whether they have children of their own.

Women are wired to care for people—to nurture and protect, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. We care deeply about the well-being of those around us.

It’s common to see women stepping up to support others, pouring their love and energy into helping family, friends, or even strangers heal and grow. This selfless embrace of another’s struggles is the maternal heart in action—what Edith Stein called the desire to “guard, protect, and repair the wounds” of the individual and society.

Female Intuition: Grasping the Whole Person

One of the most remarkable gifts women possess is intuition. When a woman senses something is off, it’s not just a guess—it’s a deep feeling rooted in her ability to grasp the whole person or situation. Women don’t compartmentalize easily, and while some might see this as a disadvantage, it’s actually a profound strength.

Because women see the whole picture, we’re able to understand the intricate connections between things. This is how we recognize when something or someone isn’t aligned with truth or goodness. Our intuition is a form of protection, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with grace, often helping us avoid harm.

But intuition also plays a key role in nurturing relationships. Women’s ability to see the whole person helps us love more fully, to encourage and lift others up when they need it most. It’s a gift that builds strong, meaningful connections in every area of life, whether in the family, the workplace, or the wider community.

Can Women Change the Heart of Society?

The short answer: absolutely. Women naturally see people as they are—whole, with both strengths and weaknesses. We recognize the good in others and want to help it flourish. And while we also see the flaws, we don’t believe they define the individual. This hopeful, compassionate view of humanity gives women a unique ability to change hearts.

It’s no secret that women are often seen as the nurturers of society. We tend to be the ones who believe a person can grow and change for the better, given the right tools and mindset. It’s why women are sometimes guilty of thinking they can “fix” the person they’re dating.

While this doesn’t always work out in romantic relationships, it’s a reflection of the maternal heart in every woman—the desire to see others flourish, to heal wounds, and to encourage growth.

True Maternity: More Than Babying

When people think of mothering, they often picture a woman coddling a baby. But true maternity is so much more than that. It’s about nurturing the heart, mind, and soul. As women, we are called to be spiritual mothers as well as biological ones, caring for the emotional and spiritual needs of others in ways that reflect God’s love.

Edith Stein spoke eloquently about the “ethos of women’s professions,” highlighting the natural gifts women bring to any role they undertake. These maternal gifts include the ability to cherish, protect, and advance growth in whatever sphere we find ourselves—whether in the home, at work, or in society at large. It’s about helping others become the best versions of themselves, guided by love and truth.

Embracing Our Maternal Gifts in Every Role

So, how do we live out this calling in a practical way? For those who are married, it might mean being a nurturing spouse who supports and encourages her husband in his own growth. For single women or those without children, it might mean embracing a spiritual motherhood by mentoring others, fostering community, or simply being a beacon of love and hope in a world that desperately needs it.

Ultimately, our maternal gifts are not confined to one way of life. Every woman has a unique calling, but the common thread is that we are all created to nurture life—whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

As women, we have the power to shape the heart of society by embracing our God-given gifts and living out the truth of who we are. We are called to love, protect, and nurture the world around us, not by changing who we are, but by fully stepping into the roles God has prepared for us.

The heart of society will change when women embrace their natural maternal instincts and use them to inspire growth, healing, and true transformation in the world around them.

Conclusion

Yes, women are called to be mothers, whether they bear children or not. Yes, female intuition is real and vital. And yes, women can change the heart of society—by living out the fullness of who we are, as cherished daughters of God with a profound capacity for love and nurturing.

By fully embracing our feminine genius, we become the change society needs.