Western Equatoria warns against rushed support programs for single mothers

YAMBIO – The Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State, Justin Joseph Marona, has cautioned against introducing support programs for single mothers without first understanding the underlying causes behind the growing number of women raising children alone.

Speaking during the celebration of International Women’s Day at Yambio Freedom Square, Marona said the state government had observed a worrying increase in single-parent households but stressed that policy responses must be guided by careful research rather than rushed decisions.

“The government cannot simply declare support for single mothers without first understanding the root causes of the problem,” Marona said. “If we rush into programs without proper study, it may unintentionally encourage the breakdown of families.”

Marona said the government has directed the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, in collaboration with UN-affiliated agencies operating in the state, to conduct a study into the factors contributing to the rising number of single mothers.

According to the deputy governor, communities across Western Equatoria have reported several social challenges affecting family stability, including domestic violence, financial mismanagement in households, lack of forgiveness among couples, and misunderstandings within marriages.

He explained that such issues have increasingly resulted in disputes between partners and separations, leaving many women to shoulder the responsibility of raising children alone.

Marona warned that poorly designed assistance programs could unintentionally worsen the situation if they are implemented without a clear understanding of the dynamics behind family breakdowns.

“If support programs are introduced without a clear understanding of the situation, some individuals may take advantage of such benefits and abandon their responsibilities in marriage,” he added.

He also emphasised the importance of mutual respect between partners, describing it as a cornerstone for building stable families and healthy communities.

“Respect in marriage should be vice versa. Men must respect their wives and women must respect their husbands because respect is very important in building a strong family,” he said.

The deputy governor’s remarks come amid growing calls from some leaders in the state for stronger support systems for single mothers. Among those advocating for assistance programs is Anna Tuna Richard, Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly.

However, Marona maintained that the government must first establish the root causes of the problem before rolling out any interventions.

He said the planned research will help policymakers and development partners design evidence-based programs that support vulnerable mothers while also addressing the broader social issues affecting families.

Community leaders in Yambio and other parts of the state have recently raised concerns over rising cases of family breakdowns, economic hardship, and reports of men abandoning their families, leaving women struggling to provide for their children.

Marona said the study will provide recommendations to guide the government in addressing the issue in a way that strengthens families while supporting mothers and children in need across Western Equatoria State.