In the face of unimaginable hardships, single mothers and widows in the Philippines have emerged as the epitome of resilience and strength. Every day, they wage a relentless battle against the crushing weight of poverty, gender inequality, and the daunting responsibility of being the sole providers for their families.
The numbers paint a stark picture: according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, a staggering 15 million solo parents, predominantly women, are left to shoulder the burden of raising their children alone. These remarkable women not only bear the mantle of being the primary caregivers but also carry the weight of providing for their households’ every need.
But amidst these struggles, organizations like Pure Bayanihan are working tirelessly to empower these women by equipping them with the skills and support their dream to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
Take the story of Rowena, a widow from Saguday, Quirino. Before joining Pure Bayanihan’s livelihood program, Rowena relied solely on her husband’s income from farming. “We all know that farming doesn’t provide daily income,” she shares. But through the training and capital provided by Pure Bayanihan, Rowena was able to start her own small business making papaya pickles.
For Jocelyn, a single mother of five, the support from Pure Bayanihan was a lifeline. Despite the challenges of commuting from Saguday to Diffun on a motorbike with her aunt, Jocelyn never missed a training session. “Receiving that capital was a huge blessing for our family. It gave a much-needed boost to our income, which meant I could provide a little extra allowance for my kids,” she shares.
These stories are a testament to the resilience and determination of single mothers and widows in the face of adversity. But they also highlight the critical role that livelihood skills training and entrepreneurial support play in empowering these women to break free from the cycle of poverty.
By providing them with the tools and resources they need to start their own businesses, organizations like Pure Bayanihan are not only helping these women to become financially independent but also giving them a sense of pride and purpose.
Every woman deserves the opportunity to create a better life for herself and her family, regardless of her circumstances. Join Pure Bayanihan in our mission to empower these brave women to rise above the odds and overcome poverty.
