Being a single mother in our modern society is not an easy task. More than 100 million women raise their children alone, according to a UN Women report published in 2022. In the DRC, figures also reveal an increase in single mothers, with 109 out of 1,000 adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 having given birth between 2004 and 2020, and 117 women out of 1,000 aged 15 to 49 had unwanted pregnancies between 2015 and 2019.
To understand the challenges single mothers face, we spoke to three women who have chosen to raise their children alone. Sandrine, aged 46, made the decision to become a single mother after having hoped for marriage until she was 33. She thought it would fill the void in her life, but she soon realized it was much harder than she expected. Sandrine emphasizes the importance of having family support and sufficient resources to raise a child in such circumstances.
Israella, a 35-year-old seamstress and mother of four, tells us about her experience of raising her children alone after being kicked out of her home by her husband. She highlights the heavy responsibilities that single women face and reminds us that no one should have to do it alone.
Clarisse, 23, a state graduate and mother of a 4-year-old daughter, shares her heartbreaking story of broken trust. Her partner insisted on having a child with her, but abandoned her when the pregnancy became a reality. She had to stop her studies and face the lack of support from her family, who continually reminded her of her precarious situation.
These stories are unfortunately all too common, and they highlight the challenges and discrimination single mothers face. They face financial, emotional and social challenges, all while trying to give the best to their children.
It is important to support single mothers and recognize their strength and dedication. They deserve our respect and admiration for their ability to raise their children alone in sometimes difficult circumstances.
In conclusion, being a single mother is a huge challenge, but these courageous women demonstrate incredible resilience. They deserve the support and recognition of our society, in order to create a more favorable environment for them and their children.