A Guide for Single Mothers - NTUC

Stories From The HeartIn mid-2006, Sadiah suffered a fit following a fierce quarrelwith her husband, during which he trapped her on the floorwith wooden chairs. She was traumatised and had to seektreatment at the Institute of Mental Health.Following, the couple stayed in separate rooms and thedivorce ensued. Sadiah said her sister had allegedly spottedher husband with another woman several times.“After the divorce, I was kicked out of our marital home.I stayed at my sister’s, but her mother-in-law did notwelcome us and we had to move out. Then I rented aroom in Sembawang, shifted to an L-shape 1-room flat inMarsiling before moving to our current home in HavelockRoad – one room, at $322.50 a month,” said Sadiah.15Sadiah admits that she feels lonely, especially during publicholidays.“Everywhere I look, I see women with their husbands. I onlyhave my children. They are delightful, but I still have otherneeds which only a husband can fulfil. Being a divorcee isjust so hard,” she said.“Luckily, I have many friends at work who care about me.Also, by participating in activities organised by the NTUCWomen’s Development Secretariat for single mothers, I haveopportunities to interact with other single mothers and findsupport in them,” said Sadiah.Sadiah does not know what her future may bring. But shewants to work hard and bring up her children in a place thatthey can all call home.