Financial instability

A single-mother family refers to a nuclear unit where the mother is the primary caregiver for one or more children, often referred to as a mother-headed family. Single motherhood can be an overwhelming experience, given the numerous challenges faced while trying to care for their children and assume the roles of both parents. The study aimed to investigate the challenges, coping strategies, and social support systems available to single mothers in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. This study utilises Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, Role Theory, and Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping to explore the challenges and coping strategies of single mothers in Ovia North East Local Government, Edo State. The study utilized an exploratory qualitative design, employing thematic analysis to understand the lived experiences and coping strategies of single mothers in Ovia North-East LGA. The research focused on single mothers within the LGA, using purposive sampling and a researcher-developed interview guide to collect qualitative data. Data analysis involved transcribing interviews and identifying key themes, with ethical considerations such as informed consent and confidentiality maintained throughout the research. The study reveals that single mothers in Ovia North East Local Government Area, primarily young women aged 18-25, face challenges such as financial instability and emotional isolation, relying on informal networks, education, and religious support to cope due to the absence of formal assistance. The study recommends government support programs, access to education and skills training, strengthened social support networks, awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, and improved access to healthcare and childcare services for single mothers.