single motherhood

TALKING ABOUT TABOO: SINGLE MOTHERHOOD

There are many negative stereotypes around single motherhood. Most women who are mothers remain in their husband’s houses for the rest of their lives. Being a single mother breaks this convention.

Women can become single mothers because of premarital sex and childbearing. They can also become single mothers due to divorce or death. This is seen as more acceptable. But all single mothers are generally disrespected by society especially in the past.

Rates of single motherhood vary across Sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, half of all children have absent fathers. In Nigeria it is much lower; 10% of women have premarital births and are single mothers. It is hard to assess accurate numbers on single motherhood in Sub-Saharan Africa. Marriages are often informal and there is a lack of research in this demographic.

There are many links between high poverty and single motherhood. This is often because households with single mothers have only one source of income. Women often earn a lot less than men. For instance, in South Africa, women earn 28% less than men. Single mothers are more likely to be young, uneducated, and unemployed. So, it is harder for them to find jobs. Women are more likely to do informal and unpaid work. Single mothers are also vulnerable. They are likely to suffer from domestic abuse, sexual assault, and pregnancy. It is more challenging for single women to support themselves and that of their children.

Growing up in a single-mother household can have bad effects on children. Studies have shown that boys who grow up fatherless are often more aggressive and hyper-masculine. They are more likely to have unhealthy relationships, commit a crime, and suffer addiction. Fatherless girls are more likely to make risky sexual choices. This can lead to pregnancies (often unplanned) and abusive relationships. Children born to unmarried, single women are more likely to get fostered and grow up in the care system.

There is a lack of resources that could help single mothers out of poverty. But the South African government has taken steps to remedy this. They have acknowledged how serious poverty is in households with single mothers. Hence, the government has developed a remedy which is under the National Development Plan: Vision 2030 which aims to:

  • Raise living standards.
  • Provide public services.
  • Reduce severe poverty/inequality.

There are specific resources to support single mothers such as nutrition and education programs. These resources will help educate and support single mothers. It means that single mothers can get out of poverty easier. This will benefit the women and their children. It will also lessen negative stereotypes and the stigma of single motherhood.

 

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