In honour of mothers everywhere this month, we want to highlight the hard work and sacrifices being made by so many mothers across South Africa. We remember particularly, those who are mothering in hard spaces and the profound burden they carry. From the sprawling townships to the remote rural areas, countless women navigate the complexities of raising children amidst resource scarcity and crippling socioeconomic challenges. As an organization dedicated to supporting families, Arise Family wants to recognized these often-overlooked struggles, and explore avenues for collective action and support.
In the rich tapestry of the South African context, the term “mother” extends far beyond its traditional definition. It encompasses not only biological mothers but also grandmothers, aunts, and other female primary caregivers who selflessly step into the maternal role. These women, often referred to as “community mothers,” are the pillars of their neighbourhoods, ensuring that children receive the love, guidance, and support they need to thrive. Their contributions are invaluable, as they foster a sense of belonging and security, nurturing the next generation with unwavering dedication and care.
However, mothers (in all terms) in resource-poor communities bear a multifaceted burden. Beyond the daily tasks of providing food, shelter, and care for their families, they shoulder the weight of systemic inequalities and limited access to essential resources. Lack of health care facilities, running water, good sanitation and food scarcity make these tasks even harder. In environments marked by poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure, the responsibilities placed upon mothers (or mothering figures) are compounded, often leaving them vulnerable and overwhelmed.
All of this means that our maternal mortality rates are disproportionately higher in these communities, and complications can abound. Moreover, the burden of caring for children with chronic illnesses or disabilities falls disproportionately on mothers, who must navigate a labyrinth of challenges with limited support and over-burdened services. This becomes a social injustice at a systemic level – the poor have poorer health outcomes and less means to access the remedial services. What does this mean for helping children reach their full potential?
Education is often hailed as a beacon of hope and opportunity for these families, yet many mothers in resource-poor communities confront formidable barriers in accessing quality schooling for their children. From overcrowded classrooms, having to travel far distances to dilapidated infrastructure, the educational landscape is fraught with challenges that hinder their children’s academic success. Added to this is the increasingly common occurrences of violence in the community meaning children are not safe at school, and that beacon of hope begins to dim.
Then there is the economic strain on mother figures who are stretching often very limited resources to care for their families. Few of these mothers can find meaningful employment, meaning many are forced to live off grants or seek employment in informal sectors, which offer little stability or security. The cycle of poverty perpetuates itself, as mothers struggle to break free from its grip and provide a better life for their children.
So in the face of all this adversity, what can we do? At Arise, we start by looking for the strengths. The mother figures in resource-poor communities demonstrate so much resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering love for their families. Our work has shown us how eager these women are to learn, and grow and provide for their children. However, they cannot shoulder the burden alone. Research is clear, to break the cycle of poverty a child needs 3 things: a caregiver who loves & supports them, access to basic needs and for that caregiver to have support. And this is where we can all get involved. It is up to us, the community, to recognize the struggles faced by these women and to support and advocate for them. By advocating for policies that address systemic inequalities, expanding access to healthcare and education, and fostering economic empowerment initiatives, we can create a more equitable environment where all families can thrive.
But at Arise, we try to go further, and strive to be that support for these amazing women. To come alongside them, offering them skills, knowledge and a safe place to share through our programmes tailored to their needs. This is the story of a new programme we are rolling out called Roots to Resilience. Roots to Resilience is a 10 week programme focussing on equipping mother’s or mother figures with the skills they need to deepen attachment, develop communication, role model health emotional expression, care for themselves and use positive and connected discipline strategies to help them raise the next generation. In the initial group we have seen mothers choose to give up substances to be a better parent, give up punitive discipline strategies and learn to play with their children. The magnitude of these changes and the future it opens up for these children is not taken for granted.
This is how we can create a society where the invisible burdens faced by mothers are acknowledged, addressed, and ultimately lifted.
By recognizing the invisible burdens mothers’ carry and taking action to alleviate their hardships, we can create a more just and compassionate society where every family has the opportunity to thrive. Let us honour the resilience and strength of these mothers and work together to build a brighter future for all.
Written by Robyn Jacobs