Amazing Day Out With Single Mothers

Wonderfully Made Woman launched the befriending service for single mother’s project with a monthly single mother's lunch date. Many lovely ladies, accompanied by befriending volunteers, came out to enjoy the day, the food, and each other.

The lunch date aims to recognise the value of women being together and create listening circles to share more deeply and build community. Sharing food together was very important to us; it is a way of creating togetherness and community. The women were so excited to meet each other and unwind in an open space because most of them have not been out like that in a long time. They are single mothers dealing with loneliness due to the stigma associated with being a single mother in our community. We discussed the challenges they face and how it affects their well-being.

At the Wonderfully Made Woman lunch date, we believe that everyone has a voice, with equal weight. Our gathering was about us learning from each other, and we recognise that everyone had wisdom to share. The women shared their stories and were constantly encouraged to network and support each other. This is very rare in society: to be listened to and heard without judgement and the need to fix.

Simply listening is a gift that provides people space and can be very healing. Some of the single mothers expressed this, "I haven't been able to go out for over a year because of lack of childcare. Today I feel very happy." Another said, "I have been very ill. I am still recovering, but I wanted to come out so I could talk to other women. I am so happy I came." When asked how they felt about the restaurant we gathered for lunch, they were so excited: "I haven't been to this restaurant before. It feels so good to be here. I feel so special."

At Wonderfully Made Woman, our gatherings lift women and refine their confidence when they have moments of doubt. We all never really stop having moments of doubt, so it is good to know we are not alone and that others have been through, or are going through, what we might be coping with. Being in a community of feminine energy helps women to strengthen their voices so that when we move out of a female space into our various families, communities or working environment, we feel more empowered and thrive.