KUCHING: Single mothers walk a road filled with both immense challenges and powerful triumphs.
Behind every small victory is a story of resilience, love, and unwavering determination, stories that often go unheard, yet deserve to be celebrated.
Sarawak Tribune spoke with three mothers to get their views, shedding light on the realities of single motherhood in Kuching.
These women, from various walks of life, each carry the weight of responsibility on their shoulders while striving to provide the best for their children.
They spoke of financial strains, emotional stress, societal judgement, and the everyday juggle between work and parenting.
Yet amid the challenges, they also shared stories of strength, resilience, and small moments of joy that keep them moving forward.
Their voices reflect not just hardship, but also the unyielding love and fierce determination that define their journeys.
For Iszar Hamdan, a 34-year-old administrative assistant, the hardest part is balancing work with raising her children. Each day feels like a race against time.
“Sometimes I feel like there’s just not enough hours in the day,” she shared with a soft smile.
Despite the exhaustion, her motivation remains clear, her children.
“Their smiles and achievements push me to keep going no matter how tired I am.”
One of her proudest moments was when her eldest daughter graduated from kindergarten and gave a speech in front of a crowd.
Seeing her daughter’s confidence and joy made every sleepless night and long working day feel worth it.
Iszar is quick to point out that her journey has not been one she traveled entirely alone.
The unwavering support of her mother and sisters has been her anchor.
They step in to help with babysitting, offer advice, and most importantly, remind her that she is not alone.
For other single mothers who may be struggling, Iszar has a heartfelt piece of advice: “Believe in yourself. Take it one day at a time and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
While Iszar wrestled with time, Nabila Hasan, a 33-year-old small business owner, faced another hurdle – societal judgement.
“Facing judgement from people who don’t understand my situation was one of the hardest things,” she said.
Despite this, Nabila found strength in her purpose: raising strong, independent children.
Motivated by her dream of providing a better life for them, Nabila worked tirelessly and eventually opened her own online bakery. It was a proud and emotional achievement after years of financial struggle.
Nabila’s journey was made lighter with the help of close friends and a local women’s support group.
“Find your tribe, people who lift you up. You don’t have to do it all alone,” she noted.
Community support gave her the encouragement she needed to keep moving forward and to believe in her dreams, even when the path seemed daunting.
For Naziyra Tuah, a 29-year-old clerk, the financial burden of single motherhood looms large.
“Stretching one income to cover everything is very stressful,” she explained.
Yet, Naziyra’s motivation lies in the future she envisions for her daughter, a future filled with opportunities she never had.
One of her most touching moments came when her young daughter, unaware of the weight she carried, told her, “Mama, you’re my hero.”
Like Nabila, Naziyra found support through NGOs that helped provide childcare and training programmes. They played a crucial role in lightening her load and giving her the confidence to keep going.
Her message to other single mothers is clear: “Stay strong but be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel tired or overwhelmed sometimes.”
Each of these women’s journeys is a testament to courage, perseverance, and the power of community support.
They remind us that while the road may be tough, it is also paved with moments of immense pride, hope, and love.
In every struggle and triumph, single mothers prove that strength is not just in surviving hardships, it is in rising, day after day, for the ones they love. Their silent strength deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
