Put children first

Madam,

There are several cultural barriers that can make it difficult for people to seek child maintenance. One of the biggest barriers is the stigma that is often associated with divorce and separation, or a break up after having a child together. In some cultures, there is a strong social expectation that parents will stay together and raise their children together, and seeking child maintenance can be seen as a failure to fulfil this expectation. Additionally, in some cultures, there is a belief that it is the father’s responsibility to provide for the family, and asking for child maintenance can be seen as a challenge to the father’s authority.

Another cultural barrier that can make it difficult to seek child maintenance is a lack of awareness of the legal rights and options available. In some cases, people may not be aware that they have a right to child maintenance, or they may not know how to access the resources and support that are available to them. Additionally, some people may not be aware of the process of seeking child maintenance through the court system, and they may be intimidated by the idea of going to court. This awareness or lack thereof is the parent’s responsibility. But the custodians of the law need to ensure that people are educated on such policies in order to make their lives easier.

In addition to the cultural barriers, there are also practical barriers that can make it difficult to seek child maintenance. One of the biggest practical barriers is the cost of legal representation. Hiring a lawyer to pursue child maintenance can be very expensive, and many people may not be able to afford to do so. Taking the easy route where government through the Office of Social Welfare basically represents you may not yield the intended results. Many parents have had issues with the office and I believe through proper channels these can be resolved.

COMMITMENT

Another practical barrier is the time commitment involved in seeking child maintenance through the court system. The process can be lengthy and time-consuming, and this can be a significant barrier for people who are already busy with work and family responsibilities. The process being lengthy means the parent cheeking child maintenance will spend more money ensuring the process is followed to the last dot. There has been stories where some parents leave their place of work or retire just so that they do not have to pay child maintenance. And that is a big problem and a loophole to the system.

Now, let us talk about some possible solutions to these barriers. One solution to the cultural barriers is to increase public awareness about child maintenance and the legal rights and options available. This could be done through public education campaigns, community outreach programmes, and other initiatives. Another solution to the cultural barriers is to provide support and resources for people who are seeking child maintenance. This could include establishing support groups, legal clinics, and other services that can help people navigate the process of seeking child maintenance.

When talking about the practical barriers, one solution to the cost of legal representation is to provide pro bono (free) legal services for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. This could be done through legal aid organisations, law firms, or other organisations that provide pro bono services. These are just solutions to support parents and children, the real solution is for the parents to be responsible and do what is right by the child, and in the interest of the child.

Nomsa