The phenomenon of single mothers is increasingly widespread in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in Kinshasa. These women find themselves alone to raise their children, earn enough money and ensure their well-being. It is a challenge that many women face, and which provokes varied reactions from Kinshasa men.
Emmanuel Ndukidi, a medical student at Unikin, believes that this situation is a form of inequality towards women, and that it should not be tolerated. According to him, it is unfair to let women take responsibility for children alone, while the conception of a child requires the participation of both parents. He calls for these women not to be abandoned to their fate and to share responsibilities.
Yannick Okonda, assistant at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Unikin, questions the lack of recognition of single fathers. He believes that single mothers should have the same rights and privileges as men in this situation. For him, it is important not to stigmatize these women and to provide them with the necessary support.
François Kabala, a computer science graduate, proposes that responsibility for the education of children produced by unwanted pregnancies or rape be shared between the State and the family. According to him, these situations are the result of a collective failure in education. He calls for everyone to take responsibility to guarantee a good education for children.
Valentin Ndjibu, a primary school teacher and father of six, blames women for this phenomenon. According to him, women must demonstrate good education and respect cultural values, regardless of the difficulties they face. His son, Yowan, emphasizes that education must be reviewed in Africa, in order to transmit the necessary values to women and men.
This debate on the phenomenon of single mothers echoes a global reality, with more than 100 million women raising their children alone in the world, according to UN Women. In the DRC, UNFPA statistics reveal an increase in the number of single mothers, with many adolescent girls and women facing unwanted pregnancies.
Faced with this reality, it is essential to support and assist these single mothers in their parental role. This involves social policies and programs that provide them with financial, emotional and educational support. It is also necessary to promote inclusive and egalitarian education, which promotes the autonomy of women and gives them the tools to overcome the challenges they face.
The ultimate goal is to build a society in which single mothers are not stigmatized, but rather supported and valued in their role as parents. This will create an environment conducive to the development of children, by providing them with a strong parental role model and quality education.