| dc.description.abstract | Single mothers encounter a number of challenges ranging from socio- economic to psycho -
emotional which lower their self-esteem and force them to give up on their life goals. However,
some single mothers exhibit resilience by overcoming and managing these challenges. This study
examined the effects of COVID-19 on the socio-economic and emotional wellbeing of single
mothers in Kisenyi slum. It further looks at socio- economic demographic characteristics of
single mothers especially during COVID to assess the differences and similarities between the
challenges he faced and their coping mechanisms, to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and the
recommendations to help single mothers curb down the effects of COVID-19. Methodology,
These findings draw on a qualitative exploratory study design involving eight in depth interviews
and one FGD with single mothers, as well as 3 Key informants. Findings, The study found that
single mothers in Kisenyi were really affected by COVID-19 economically, socially and
emotionally. Economically, most of them faced loss of livelihoods, and financial challenges as
they lacked a stable source of income to sustain them and their children. This was worsened as
their businesses were shut down and lacked a source of income, lack of rent, lack of financial
support. Socially, single mothers faced social stigma and isolation, idleness. Psycho emotionally, single mothers experienced lack of self-confidence, lack of emotional support,
neglect from partners, psychological torture and depression. Coping mechanisms adopted by
single mothers to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 included emotional support, instrumental
support, informational support (saving, carrying out small scale businesses, seeking for help},
and also analyzed the recommendations to help single mothers curb down the effects of COVID 19 which included savings. Investments and being budget full. Social support networks are
critical resources that can be harnessed to help single mothers cope with the many challenges
they face such as stigma, emotional distress and neglect of partners. Family systems are the
primary sources of support for single mothers. Support from family is therefore critical for
helping single mothers cope up with the impact of COVID-19. Conclusion, Single mothers were
affected socially, economically and emotionally by COVID-19. Social support is a critical
resource in promoting the resilience of single mothers. Family (parents, siblings, father to the
children and other relatives) are the primary source of support for single mothers. Therefore,
there is a need to empower the family to support single mothers during difficult times. | en_US |
