ECONOMIC HARDSHIP OF SINGLE MOTHERS DURING THE PANDEMIC COVID-19 CASE STUDY SUBDIVISION GOJAL DISTRICT HUNZA

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the economic hardships of single mothers during the pandemic COVID-19. The study was conducted in the subdivision Gojal District Hunza of Gilgit Baltistan. Fifteen (15) Single mothers from with same language, socio-economic background and the age of 25 to 49 were involved in the in-depth interviews to identify and highlight the societal, familial, educational and economic pressures and challenges, these single mothers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also explores the strategies and coping mechanisms, the single mothers adopted to address those challenges. These all single mothers were widows as those mothers who were divorced and living with their children was unable and not willing for the interview. It also highlights the role of the single mothers in the society and their contribution to their families with limited resources. A broad study on the single mothers, who are serving in various professions like Agri-business, teaching, nursing, entrepreneurs and the ones who are largely been engaged in farming, dairy farming, poultry farming and handicrafts are also engaged and studied. Thematic analysis shows the common problems and challenges, dissimilar issues and the coping strategies these women adapt to deal with them. For analyzing the in-depth interviews, were transcribed and thematic analysis was done. In a society single mothers are not equally treated, and during the COVID-19 pandemic not given any specific consideration and financial aid in education, health, finance and no any government assistance were provided to these mothers. They have compromised on the education, health, food and nutrition. They always have a compromising life; moreover, the single mothers living with their children have active decision-making power in their family matters but in case of decision making of the marriage of a child other family members are also involved. Since single mothers want to work in the public sphere to earn money but due to the extra burden, they prefer working on their agricultural land and due to the constraints of employment, they usually work on small businesses. They face issues of dropout of male children from schools and engaging them in daily wages, while early marriages of their female child are observed.