Sita Devi, one of the main characters in Ramayana , is often referred to as an example of a single mother. She is revered as a symbol of strength, resilience, and sacrifice. Her story serves as an inspiration to many women who have had to face the challenges of raising children on their own. Sita was a single mother who had two sons, and she raised them with all the love and care in the world. Sita was pregnant when she was forced into exile a second time. She accepted the separation and decided to raise her children on her own is often cited as an example of single motherhood . She faced numerous challenges during her exile, including raising her children in the wilderness . Despite all this, she remained strong and resolute in her determination to protect her children and uphold her values. Her example inspires us to be more compassionate and supportive of those who have to raise their children on their own.
Sita considers her life mission complete when she realizes that her sons have been united with their Father Rama. As a devoted mother her decision to leave her sons was not an easy one. There are many reasons why a mother might make the decision to leave her children. Sometimes, it is due to financial hardship or the need to find work in another location. Other times, it is due to the personal or emotional struggles that make it difficult for the mother to provide the care and support her children need. In case of Sita, she was subjected to harsh treatment and constant questioning about her loyalty and chastity by the public. That is why she requested her Mother Earth (Bhoomidevi), to give a release from this unfair world. She found the womb of her mother earth and buried herself along with her mortal body, possibly indicating her suicide or self exile.
In modern times, we have seen too many cases of mothers committing suicide, often due to societal pressure, financial difficulties, or mental health issues. It is crucial that we work to create a world where women are not forced to make such a difficult choice. In a deeply patriarchal country like India ,single mothers may face discrimination and stigmatization. They face a lot of challenges and difficulties in accessing affordable childcare and housing due to limited employment opportunities and access to resources.
According to a report by the United Nations Women titled “Progress of the World’s Women 2019-2020” revealed that 4.5%(13 million), of all Indian households are run by single mothers however households headed by single mothers have 38% poverty rates as compared to 22.6% for dual parent households.. It can be challenging for single mothers to navigate the demands of raising a child on their own. So It is important to recognize single motherhood can be a challenging and complex experience, often requiring significant emotional, financial and social support. Thereby we can create a society which should be more inclusive and compassionate towards single mothers.
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