By Lola Nasriddinova | Project Leader
On July 11, 2026, IRODA, in partnership with She Leads, organized the first MamaSpace Retreat entitled "A Special Mother: How to Restore Your Strength and Prevent Burnout."
The retreat aimed to create a safe, supportive environment for mothers raising children with disabilities or neurodivergence, where they could restore their emotional resources, experience acceptance, gain practical strategies for preventing caregiver burnout, and connect with other mothers facing similar challenges.
This retreat marked the launch of the long-term MamaSpace initiative, designed to promote the psychological well-being, personal growth, and social support of parents caring for children with additional needs.
Event Overview
The participants were welcomed into the warm and inclusive atmosphere of The Friends House, which was reserved exclusively for the retreat throughout the day.
The event began with an informal welcome over tea and coffee, followed by the interactive activity "The MamaSpace Tree of Support." Each participant wrote what currently gives her strength and what most drains her energy. These reflections were placed on a symbolic tree, illustrating both the shared challenges and the collective resilience of mothers caring for children with special needs.
During the opening session, the organizers introduced the vision of the MamaSpace initiative, emphasizing the importance of supporting mothers' mental health and presenting the upcoming series of MamaSpace retreats and activities.
Participants then engaged in the interactive exercise "The Mother's Wheel of Resources," where they reflected on different areas of their lives, including sleep, health, emotional well-being, relationships, support, spirituality, communication, rest, and personal time. The exercise helped participants recognize both their strengths and the areas that require greater attention and self-care.
The central part of the retreat was the keynote session "A Special Mother: How to Restore Your Strength and Prevent Burnout," delivered by Lola Nasriddinova. The presentation explored the causes of caregiver burnout, the impact of chronic stress on family well-being, the importance of practicing self-care without guilt, and practical daily strategies for restoring physical, emotional, social, and spiritual resources. Special attention was given to gratitude, family support, and developing sustainable self-care habits.
Following the educational session, participants took part in an art therapy workshop entitled "My Safe Place." Through creative expression, mothers explored their emotions, reduced stress, and created personal symbols representing comfort, safety, and hope.
The retreat continued with a Support Circle, where participants openly shared their personal experiences, challenges, and hopes. For many mothers, this was the first opportunity to speak honestly about their journey in an atmosphere of empathy, acceptance, and understanding. This session became one of the most meaningful and emotionally powerful parts of the day.
As a closing activity, each participant wrote a letter to herself, making a personal commitment to prioritize her own well-being and remember the importance of self-care. Mothers also received small keepsakes and inspirational messages to take home.
The retreat concluded with the "Wish Box" activity, where participants shared ideas and suggestions for future MamaSpace events, including preferred topics, speakers, activities, and forms of support. A group photo session brought the day to a joyful close and captured the spirit of connection and community.
Outcomes
The first MamaSpace retreat demonstrated a clear need for dedicated spaces that support parents of children with additional needs.
Participants reported that the retreat helped them to:
Many participants highlighted that the opportunity to openly share their experiences and realize they were not alone was one of the most valuable aspects of the retreat.
Conclusion
The first MamaSpace Retreat marked an important milestone in strengthening holistic family support services for parents raising children with disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions in Tajikistan.
IRODA and She Leads plan to continue the MamaSpace series by expanding opportunities for psychological support, peer connection, education, creativity, and personal development for mothers.
We firmly believe that caring for caregivers is an investment in the well-being of the entire family. By supporting parents and carers, we strengthen families, improve outcomes for children, and build a more compassionate and inclusive community where no parent feels alone.
Thank you for you for being part of making initatives such as MamaSpace a support to families in Tajiksitan.
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