For Filipina mothers living abroad, finding a sense of belonging can be a daunting task. Not only are they away from their families and friends, but they also face different cultural norms and challenges. However, Andrea Sanidad-Brindley, a 27-year-old small business owner, created a community that is helping these mothers find the support they need.
Pinay Mums in UAE started as a Facebook group named “First Time Mamas UAE” in April 2020. Sanidad-Brindley, who was pregnant at the time, was worried that her existing friends who were single would not be able to relate to her journey as a mother. So, she followed her mother’s suggestion and searched for a group to join but couldn’t find one, so she created her own.
As the group grew, it eventually evolved into “Pinay Mums UAE,” catering specifically to Filipina mothers. The group’s mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for its members, where they can share their experiences, ask for advice, and form genuine connections.
However, growing and managing the community group comes with its own set of challenges. Sanidad-Brindley faces the ongoing task of setting and updating rules to maintain the group’s peace and vision. Despite these challenges, Pinay Mums in UAE has flourished over the past two years, with Facebook itself recognizing the group’s growth and engagement.
The impact that Pinay Mums in UAE has had on the lives of its members is significant. The group has become a “Motherhood directory” for many members, where they can find answers to their questions instead of searching the internet. The community has also become a family for many, with members finding lifelong friends and even starting small businesses with each other’s support.
Sanidad-Brindley emphasizes the importance of community support, especially for Filipina mothers living abroad. She believes that no one should be alone in their journey and that everyone deserves to have a community that can relate to their challenges.
To ensure that the community group remains a safe and supportive space for its members, Pinay Mums in UAE relies on its members to make choices that are kind and supportive. The community has the power to report any violations, and Sanidad-Brindley and her team analyze and remove them if necessary.
Pinay Mums in UAE has also organized events and activities for its members, including parties and get-togethers. The most recent event was the “Connect, Collaborate & Celebrate Event” on March 5, 2023, where members had the opportunity to network and showcase their small businesses.
Looking ahead, Sanidad-Brindley’s vision for Pinay Mums in UAE remains the same: to support its members. She plans to continue organizing events and activities for the members and their families, and has even bigger plans for the future.
Andrea Sanidad-Brindley’s mantra in life is “You can do anything you put your mind into.” Her creation of Pinay Mums in UAE is a testament to that, as she has created a supportive community that empowers Filipina mothers living abroad.