The Challenges Facing Female-Headed Households in Society

Abstract

This study aimed to diagnose the social, economic, and psychological realities of female breadwinners, identify their most prominent challenges, and examine the relationship between various demographic variables—namely age, educational level, income, family size, and marital status. The researcher employed the descriptive-analytical method, and the research population consisted of female breadwinners, specifically divorced and widowed women in the city of Sabha. The sample comprised 50 participants selected purposefully due to the researcher's familiarity with the study population. The findings revealed no statistically significant differences in the average responses attributed to marital status. Economic difficulties emerged as the most severe challenge, accompanied by high psychological pressures resulting from the dual burdens of financial support and full domestic care. Furthermore, a strong correlation was identified between low educational levels and the increased severity of economic and legal obstacles, alongside a distinct gap between the needs of female breadwinners and the support provided by official governmental institutions.