Times Of Swaziland: THE PLIGHT OF RETIRED MOTHERS

THE PLIGHT OF RETIRED MOTHERS
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Anonymous on 24/02/2025 07:45:00


Sir,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the challenges faced by retired
mothers in Eswatini. These women, who have dedicated their lives to raising
families and contributing to our communities, often find themselves in
precarious situations upon retirement. While the challenges are multifaceted, I
believe it is crucial to bring them to the forefront of public discourse and
advocate for meaningful solutions.
The uncertainty of finances is one of the most urgent problems. Many women may
not have access to sufficient pensions or retirement savings, especially those
who were homemakers or worked in the unorganised sector. They become more
susceptible to poverty as a result, particularly as medical expenses increase
and their physical capabilities deteriorate. This issue is made worse by
Eswatini’s growing expense of living, especially when it comes to necessities
like food and medicine.
A lady who devoted her life to her family may suddenly find it difficult to pay
for her needs. We must think about how we may better assist these women, who
have made significant contributions frequently without official acknowledgement
or payment. Another significant issue is access to healthcare. As women age,
their healthcare needs become more complex. Many require regular access to
specialists, medications and sometimes even long-term care.
However, the public healthcare system in Eswatini is often overburdened and
access to private healthcare is beyond the reach of many retired mothers. This
often forces them to choose between essential medications and other necessities,
a truly heartbreaking dilemma. We must advocate for improved access to
affordable and quality healthcare for our elderly women.
Beyond the financial and physical needs, we must also acknowledge the emotional
and social challenges faced by retired mothers. Many women find their sense of
purpose diminished after their children have grown and left home. They may
experience loneliness, isolation and a decline in their mental well-being.
Programmes
Our communities need to create spaces and programmes that cater to the social
and emotional needs of retired mothers, offering opportunities for connection,
engagement and continued personal growth. Perhaps community centres could host
activities specifically for older women, or support groups could be established
to combat isolation. Furthermore, we need to address the cultural norms that
often place the burden of care for elderly parents, particularly mothers, solely
on their daughters or daughters-in-law. While family support is invaluable, it
should not be assumed or enforced.
It places immense pressure on younger women, often preventing them from pursuing
their own educational or career goals. We need to foster a culture of shared
responsibility, where all family members contribute to the care of their elderly
mothers and where the government also plays a supportive role. I implore people,
civil society organisations and the government to give these issues careful
thought. We must look into measures like increasing the scope of social security
programmes, giving retired mothers access to subsidised healthcare and funding
community-based initiatives that promote their mental and social well.
In order to help younger generations recognise the value of their mothers’ and
grandparents’ contributions, we must also foster intergenerational
communication and understanding.
Our culture is based on these women. They have fostered families, imparted
morals and strengthened the bonds among our communities. We have a moral
responsibility to make sure they have the respect, safety, and access to care
they need during their retirement years. Together, let’s build a society that
supports and values Eswatini’s retiring mothers.
Anonymous