Globally, nearly 8 % of households are headed by a single parent, and 84 % of those single parents are mothers— a trend that is increasing day by day. Evidence shows that there are an estimated 101.3 million single mothers living alone with their children worldwide. In Africa, about 22 % of women aged 20–49 are unmarried mothers.
According to research by the World Bank and UNICEF ,children from families struggling to meet basic needs are more likely to experience bullying, physical violence, and other forms of abuse. They also tend to have weaker relationships with family members, peers, and teachers. Similarly, studies indicate that single motherhood is strongly associated with increased risks of poverty, the intergenerational transmission of disadvantage, and negative outcomes for both mothers and their children. In Sub-Saharan Africa, children raised in single-parent households face an especially high risk of dropping out of school, emotional hardship, and economic insecurity.
Case Study 1: Aisha Tanimu
For instance, Aisha Tanimu, a young woman who grew up in a single-parent household, felt the brunt of abandonment early in life. At just six years old, her father left the family. Though she didn’t understand the reasons at the time, she clearly remembered her mother’s sorrow and the financial strain that followed.
Despite overwhelming challenges, Aisha’s mother worked multiple jobs—often clocking 12-hour days—just to provide basic necessities.
“Being a single parent is not easy, honestly. Just imagine one person buying food, paying fees, and handling responsibilities meant for two,” she shared.
Her mother’s resilience left a strong impression. “I must work hard and build a future independently.” Sometimes it feels like the world is ending, but seeing my children gives me hope,” Aisha said.
She became independent at an early age, helping with chores and managing responsibilities. Yet, the emotional toll of fatherlessness lingered. She often wrestled with self-doubt and questioned her worth.
Case Study 2: Doris Udoka
While Aisha’s story took a hopeful turn, Doris Udoka’s path has been one of continuous struggle and perseverance. Now in her mid-thirties, Doris reflects from her modest apartment on a past marked by domestic violence and abandonment. Married young, she faced abuse and was eventually left to fend for herself and her children.
“I never thought I’d escape the darkness of my past,” she said softly. “But I refused to let it define me.”
Having grown up in a broken home herself, Doris vowed not to let her past dictate her future. “I learned to rise above it. I focused on what I could control—the present and the future.”
She vividly recalls being pregnant with her second child without support. “It was like a never-ending nightmare,” she said. “But I had to keep going.”
To survive, Doris juggled multiple jobs, sold plantains on the streets of Lagos, and did everything she could to provide.
“I had to be strong for my children,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “I had to show them that no matter what life throws at you, you can always overcome it.”
Today, Doris is a proud single mother of two who has mastered shoemaking—a rare trade for women in her community. She is now seeking sponsorship to open her own shop in Lagos, hoping to secure a more stable future for her children.
Though her husband remains absent, Doris turns to her faith for strength and prays for a helping hand to ease her burden.
Expert Insight
Addressing the broader implications of single parenting, Dr. Omojefe Kennedy Orezime—a social and psychological scientist—emphasized the need for mentorship and emotional development programs for children from single-parent homes.
“Training in soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and leadership can significantly improve the self-worth and academic performance of these children,”
Dr. Omojefe said. “Psychological stress paired with academic pressure often leads to underperformance unless adequately managed.”
He also advised young couples to seek proper education on marriage and parenting. “Premarital counseling can equip them to build stronger, more resilient families,” he noted.
