22.02.25
MMM contributed a chapter to a book edited by UNANIMA International on The hidden faces of homelessness, highlighting the specific vulnerability of single mothers to homelessness. The publication was launched on February 20 at the UN headquarters in New York.
Our contribution to UNANIMA International’s book was submitted by our head of UN Advocacy, Valerie Bichelmeier, and draws on research done for our side-event to the 2020 UN Commission on Social Development on Single mothers’ vulnerability to homelessness, which also highlighted what our grassroots member associations do to support solo mothers.
Homelessness is not just about people living on the streets but also about those who live in shelters, unstable or inadequate housing, or those who rely on the goodwill of friends or family. Mothers raising their children alone represent a significant and growing population affected by such ‘hidden homelessness’ – estimated at 100 million globally. Often overlooked in statistics, their struggles are less visible but no less pressing.
Generally speaking, women’s specific vulnerability to poverty is well recognised: not only do women generally earn less than men, but their disproportionate share of unpaid domestic and care work restricts their time and ability to perform paid work, thereby limiting their income.
This issue is exacerbated in the case of solo mothers who must take sole responsibility for both unpaid domestic and care work and earning an income, and are often stigmatised for being on their own and discriminated in accessing housing.
And the number of both single mothers and homeless people is increasing.
The impact of homelessness on children cannot be overstated. With frequent school changes and unstable living conditions children are at a greater risk of physical and mental health problems, developmental delays, poor academic achievement, dropping out, abuse, neglect, behavioural issues, socio emotional problems, etc. – with potentially huge costs for society in the longer term.
Preventing single mothers’ homelessness is about addressing the structural barriers to women’s economic empowerment, beginning with the issue of the inequitable distribution of unpaid care work and the challenges of combining paid and unpaid work – which are particularly acute for solo mothers.
Vital support policies must include:
Single mothers’ specific vulnerability to poverty and homelessness needs an inclusive approach, acknowledging both the difficulties of their situation AND the importance of their caring and educational work and responsibilities. Single mothers need support, not stigmatisation.
Read here The hidden faces of homelessness by UNANIMA International – MMM contribution starts on page 34
Jacqueline Leduc, MMM Representative at the UN in New York, with Jean Quinn, Executive Director, UNANIMA International at the Launch event in the UN headquarters in New York
02.07.24
UN New York / HLPF - Register now to join us online at this year’s High Level Political Forum side-event.
20.06.24
UN Geneva, Human Rights Council - MMM was invited to contribute to a side-event organised by Widows Rights International to discuss the unique challenges faced by widows who are mothers,
24.03.24
UN New York, CSW68 - These wise words, uttered by of one of the speakers at our event, Let's change the narrative: invest in mothers, sums up the challenges faced
09.03.25
UN New York - The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) is a landmark global policy document focused on advancing gender equality and women's rights, and is considered one of the most comprehensive
06.03.25
Mothers with disabilities face many challenges in a world that is physically, socially and structurally inaccessible. Their struggles often go unnoticed and underappreciated which results in vast misconceptions
04.03.25
The European Commission’s initiative on a new Gender Equality Roadmap post-2025, marks a significant step forward in addressing gender disparities across the European Union. Make Mothers Matter (MMM) welcomes
01.03.25
UN Geneva, Human Rights Council – Two of our associate members, Irish Maternity Support Network, represented by founder and director Liz Kelly, and Child Nepal, headed up by Executive Director Mohan Dangal, w
25.02.25
UN New York – It has been thirty years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which laid the groundwork for transformative changes towards gender equality and the empowerment of women. In our
22.02.25
MMM contributed a chapter to a book edited by UNANIMA International on The hidden faces of homelessness, highlighting the specific vulnerability of single mothers to homelessness. The publication was launched o