In Summary
- Recently the economic survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has shown the number of registered births by single mothers in Kenya has increased.
On a Tuesday morning stroll on twitter a discussion on ‘’Fatherlessness’’ is going and it instantly catches my attention.
Recently the economic survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has shown the number of registered births by single mothers in Kenya has increased. (2023)
The proportion of registered births by married women decreased to 85.6 per cent in 2022 from 85.9 per cent in 2021, while the proportion of registered births by single mothers increased slightly to 13.9 per cent in 2022 from 13.5 per cent in 2021.
Though the comments further indicate that Dads make the best single parents, we cannot turn a blind eye on this issue.
A section argues that Christianity has demonized polygamy hence leaving women to choose the single parent life. While others argue the overpowerment of the girl child has played a role on this.
Fathers are important and very vital for proper functioning of a family but how comes the number of single mothers is on the rise?
Women argue that this has largely been caused by a section of men not taking up responsibilities as fathers and leaving them with no choice than stepping up and raising their children single handedly, interestingly a teacher commented on the same conversation arguing that fatherlessness is a real challenge and has affected behavior of most kids.
A lady commented asking why some men are irresponsible. Why do they run away once they impregnate a woman? Questions only men can answer.
However an interesting comment from a guy insinuated that women have created a barrier against men not to be real fathers, is this true?
I’ll conclude by saying no one can be forced to be a parent and any parent willing to be there will be there
By Elishifa Wangechi