Single mothers and their children are often deemed outcasts and face a lifelong stigma from society. However, cases like this not only shatter the stigma but also acts as a huge confidence boost for single mothers.

Pechiyammal or known around Katunayakkanpatti as Muthu Master, the woman has been living in the guise of a man for over three decades since her husband passed away

One of the most common and judgmental topic of being a single parent, single mother or father was also beautifully depicted in some highly acclaimed movies.

Traditionally, the fathers’ name is used as the last name or initials of the children, this practice is considered to be extremely patriarchal as it still sees the women’s womb as a property of men and any child out of the woman automatically becomes men’s. 

For a man, being a divorcee is not seen as a huge issue, but having a child diminishes the “value” of women.

Here are 10 takeaways from the trailer of Kriti Sanon’s film Mimi:

As a parent, it was the most difficult experience for me to see him go through that pain. I was not ready to accept that my son had been diagnosed with a deadly disease. -Shabnam Singh

From Sushmita Sen to Neena Gupta, here are five single moms from Bollywood who have aced single parenting despite being constantly in the public eye.

The South Asian patriarchal society also persisting in India and other countries around does not spare single mothers of prejudices, misconceptions and judgements.

The UN Women report puts the figure of lone mother households in India at 13 million. Another 32 million are estimated to be living in extended households.