-Due to partners/fathers abandonment
By J. Mason Kollie
Abandonment by a husband or parent can have devastating consequences for women and children, sadly- this is exactly the situation with scores of women and children in Lofa County who are going through serious difficulties as a result of abandonment by men (Partners).
Unfortunately- abandonment by a husband or father like in the case of the women and children of Lofa, has emotional, financialand several other consequences.This unfortunate reality is a harsh reminder of the vulnerabilities that many women and children face in Lofa County.
To display this vividly- the women and children current situation in Lofa unearthed the various repercussions that they often experience when left behind, shedding light on the need for support systems and resources to help them navigate these challenging circumstances.
Like the women of Lofa, abandonment often leaves women in a precarious financial situation, especially if they were financially dependent on their partners. Suddenly losing the main source of income can lead to financial instability, making it challenging to meet basic needs, support children, or maintain the same standard of living. This financial strain can further exacerbate the emotional distress and create a cycle of hardship.
Majority of the women who spoke with our correspondent in Lofa County Mason Kollie, said they have been left with no other option but to do contract on a daily basis before getting food for the Children. A significant number of them said they are involved in crushing Rocks and sand mining activities before their children eat.
Like many of them- Rebecca Kamara, a mother of three Children said in an interview that two of her children are attending Government School while one of the children is home because of lack of support.
“My brother, as I speak to you, I have three living Children with me and their father run away from me. I didn’t know his location right for the past two years.” She continues, “We have to do contract or crush Rock before my children eat, the man is nowhere to be found” Rebecca said in an interview.
Another lady- Krubo Kessellie said, “Most of the women in this ( LPMC community) are doing everything on their own, the men are not doing anything for us .The men only born by us and leave the children with us and go after other women. They are after new girl friend everyday and forgetting about their responsibilities.”
Krubo continues ” check at the police station, you will see more complains about persistent Not support and at the Court “.
During our investigation in Lofa, we observed with pieces of evidence that major of women in Lofa County are single parents struggling and striving to support their children during this difficult time in our Country.
Family jilting/neglect is a serious problem in Lofa County as several men are only interested in having new relationship and forget about baby mothers struggling to support their children on their own.
Besides financial constraints, being abandoned by a spouse or partner can lead to significant emotional trauma for women. Feelings of betrayal, rejection, and abandonment can cause depression, anxiety, and a loss of self-esteem. The sudden absence of a loved one can leave women feeling isolated and struggling to cope with the emotional aftermath. It is crucial to recognize and address these psychological consequences, as they can have long-lasting effects on a woman’s overall well-being.
In cases where there are children involved, abandonment can lead to complex legal battles and custody disputes. Women may have to navigate the legal system to ensure the well-being and support of their children. Custody battles can be emotionally draining and financially burdensome, adding additional stress to an already challenging situation. The fear of losing custody or not receiving adequate financial support for the children can weigh heavily on women, making it crucial to have access to legal aid and support.
Moreover- society often places blame on women when a relationship ends, perpetuating a stigma that can lead to isolation and judgment. Women may be subjected to gossip, criticism, and societal pressure, further exacerbating their emotional distress. This social stigma can hinder their ability to seek support, making it crucial for communities to foster an environment of empathy and understanding.
Also, children are deeply affected when a parent is abandoned, witnessing firsthand the emotional turmoil and sudden changes within their family dynamics. The absence of a father figure can have long-term consequences on a child’s emotional well-being, development, and self-esteem. It is essential to provide children with the necessary emotional support and resources to help them navigate these challenging times.
The consequences of women being abandoned by their husbands or partners are far-reaching, affecting not only their emotional and psychological well-being but also their financial stability and overall quality of life. It is crucial for society to recognize and address these issues by providing support systems, legal aid, and resources to help women rebuild their lives. By fostering empathy, understanding, and empowerment, we can collectively work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women facing abandonment.
