In the second in our series of stories featuring extraordinary mothers we meet Auset. Like many women in rural Egypt, gender discrimination meant Auset was not able to access adequate education as a child. This left her isolated, limited in what she could do and struggling against inequality.

In the weeks leading up to Mothering Sunday, we’ll be sharing stories of incredible mothers in difficult situations who have overcome the odds and built safer, better lives for themselves and their families. Divorce from her husband left Madiha with nothing to support herself and her children – so she built up her own business from scratch.

“Every time I see a child or a woman whom I’ve helped, it encourages me to continue.” Magy, a young Egyptian Christian, tells us about her work as the educational programme coordinator at the Episcocare’s community centre in Alexandria.

In this short video, an Egyptian woman explains how her life has changed for the better since learning to read.

Sara had planned to follow tradition and have her two young daughters circumcised - until an awareness session opened her eyes to the risks.