We feature women from Jiwaka Province in this article, who are breadwinners for their families.
The factors behind single mothers or deserted wives:
Interviews done with Maggie Karu, a mother of 5 children, Rose Konden, mother of 2, Saina Tai, mother of 4 and Anna Kunumb mother of 3 boys had this to say;
In the Highlands as you know, men marry more than one wife in order to maintain their status quo. For us women, we have no say in their decisions as we've been either bought off with bride price or were told to either live with it or go back to our homes.
We have emotions too, and we are hurt but that's how life is for us. It's challenging to remain as first wife rearing children and taking care of household while you watch your husband court another younger woman, or a woman with a good education background, business minded or just prettier than you right in front of your eyes.
It's even more painful when men tell us to leave with our children. But as life goes on, we're forced to do our best to ensure food is on the table for our children, clothes and school fees are paid for and we're happy.
Did you have any chance to take legal action on your husband?
We don't know the procedures and who to see with such issues. What's the point of taking someone to court when I can take care of my own children?
Sometimes the fees they charge us is too much and we can't afford it. It's too painful going to and from court, wasting resources on bus fares, court fees, etc.
Do you find the informal sector useful in your case for income generation?
We see the importance and the power of buying and selling for us here. We all started with whatever monies we had to sustain ourselves. If it weren't for such markets, we wouldn't be able to cater for our needs.
What is your income range selling here at Kudjip market, Western Highlands Province?
For us, from selling store goods we make about K100 a day and in a week, K500 to K1000 at times.
In selling garden food, it's quantity and quality that people look for so we don't make much but at least we make enough to put food on the table and take care of daily basic needs.
What should the Government do to assist women encountering such issues?
It would be good to see the Government tighten laws on adultery or even make it compulsory for all those who practice it to go to jail with hard labour.
Why do they pay that lousy K1000 and go on making us envious and having stressful days all our lives? That is not fair.
The Government can also look at subsidising costs or have in place some micro credit schemes for us women to seek financial assistance from. It can also build resource centres so we can be trained to do other work apart from selling food or clothes and other items in the market.
Are you happy living like this?
As mothers, our thoughts are for our children. We will do anything to see children happy. We only wish the best for our children.
We are lucky to have church groups and women groups that we find encouragement from. But the biggest assistance should come from the government. We need proper markets to sell our goods and vegetables. We need good roads and health services.
We will succeed if the Government supports us too.
Loop PNG thanks all four women for their time and experiences shared as single mothers here in Jiwaka Province.
A meeting will be held with the provincial women coordinator today where these findings will be presented to her.
