Solo mums struggle on returning to work
Solo mums in New Zealand say the benefit system is complex and they struggle to understand their support entitlements.
That’s among the key findings of a 22-page report titled ‘‘Something’s got to change’’, launched yesterday by Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter at the headquarters of social services provider Solomon Group in Manurewa, south Auckland.
The report details the barriers some single mums face when trying to return to work or navigating the benefit system, Genter said.
‘‘The work of raising tamariki [children] is vitally important to the future of our society. It’s something all of us should value and [we should] support these mums who are raising children.
‘‘This Government is aiming to make New Zealand the best place in the world to raise a child.
‘‘This means backing their parents to provide for them in the best possible way.’’
The report saw the ministry interview 40 low-income mothers aged 18-58 in south Auckland, Whangarei and Gisborne.
They were asked about their experiences of receiving a benefit, and with the social services they accessed during pregnancy and while raising young children.
The women interviewed were a mix of solo, partnered and married mothers from a range of ethnic backgrounds.
Having a baby is a major incentive for mums to get into training, education or work, but many faced ‘‘too many unnecessary barriers’’, the report found.
It also says mothers wanted to make a better life for their children; mums struggled financially, they deal with physical and or mental health concerns, and their experience with Government services are often challenging.
Genter said the Government wanted to ensure people had an adequate income and standard of living, were treated with respect, could live in dignity, and were able to participate meaningfully in their communities.
‘‘This Government wants to ensure women get the benefits they’re entitled to and remove the barriers that prevent them from moving forward in whatever way they want.’’
Genter, who is pregnant, says while she isn’t a mum yet, she’s been told it’s ‘‘the most difficult job I will ever love’’.
The report’s findings will feed into the Government’s ongoing work to reform the welfare system.