Proposal

Social problem

Single mothers (SM) are significantly more likely to live in poverty compared to partnered mothers (Kramer, et al., 2016; Brady & Burroway, 2012; Hübgen, 2020; Crosier, Butterworth, & Rodgers, 2007). A crucial factor that enables families to escape poverty is full-time employment (Kramer, et al., 2016). However, if it is difficult for mothers with a partner to balance motherhood and paid work (Coombe, et al., 2019), it is even more difficult for low-income SM who lack a partner to share responsibilities and so cannot afford childcare services. Consequently, they are forced to decide between working or taking care of their children, impeding their route out of poverty. 

Besides the financial constraints, SM face psychosocial challenges that detrimentally impact their health (Callaghan, et al., 2021). Single motherhood is strongly correlated with an elevated risk of health issues, encompassing poor mental health and increased mortality (Berkman, et al., 2015). Callaghan, et al., (2021) contend that SM encounter high rates of physical and emotional exhaustion due to their parenting circumstances. These include a lack of resources, underemployment, negative community perceptions and stigma, as well as a lack of social services and external support. The authors emphasise that these factors are reinforced by gender inequalities, which are particularly salient in patriarchal societies. 

Local context

In Peru, low-income SM are exposed to multiple chronic risk factors due to the intersection of their socioeconomic status, gender, motherhood, and single parenthood. The first system of oppression that will be considered for they is their socioeconomic status. In Peru, 30.1% of the population is poor. The level of poverty increases for the people whose mother tongue is a native language, such as quechua or aimara, or who live in rural areas. Puno is one of the poorest regions of the country, with 38,8% of its population living in poverty, while 40,6% are at risk of falling into poverty (INEI, 2022). 

The second system of oppression considered is gender. Peru has also a strongly patriarchal system, with high rates of violence against women and gender inequalities (Alvarado & Vilchez, 2015). In 2022, 55.7% of women in Peru reported having suffered from domestic violence at the hands of their partner or ex-partner (INEI, 2023). Puno presents a high rate of violence against women, being ranked fourth among the regions (62.2%). 

Nevertheless, gender solely cannot explain the oppression experienced by all women (Sosa, 2017). Even among women, there are factors that exacerbate their situation. Hence, the third system of oppression is motherhood. In the labour market, being a mother is penalised. This motherhood penalty translates into less access to employment and lower earnings (Harkness, 2022). The last system of oppression that will be considered is single parenthood. Harkness (2022) contends that the motherhood penalty discussed has a more detrimental impact for SM, because they do not have a male breadwinning partner. 

In Peru, 7.8% of households are headed by SM (INEI, 2019). Most of them are exposed to poverty and inequalities because of their low level of education, lack of essential services, and limited access to the labour market. Only 26.8% of them have a post-secondary education, while 5.7% do not have any level of formal education (INEI, 2019). Regarding access to essential services in their households, 36.1% cannot access public sewage, 24.2% do not have running water, 14.6% do not have electricity, and only 20.2% have access to the internet (INEI, 2019). 

Nevertheless, Peru has an immense cultural heritage and high alpaca production, which represent an opportunity for SM in rural areas. Textiles are a fundamental aspect of this cultural heritage, dating back to the prehispanic period when weaving was a common activity in the Andean life, mainly associated with the female tasks (Kellogg, 2005). The author maintains that in rural areas, weaving has been essential for the survival of families because, historically, it has allowed women to generate income while spending time with their children. 

Associated with its textile culture, Peru is also known for being the world’s leading alpaca producer, accounting for 71.7% of global production (MINAGRI, 2019). Its alpaca production is concentrated in the Andean region, with Puno being the largest producer of alpaca (39.6%) (INEI, 2013).

The textile sector is the fourth fastest growing sector in Peru, employing 400,000 Peruvians. Lima is positioned as the main textile exporter, with 71% of the total (ADEX, 2022). Nevertheless, Peru has yet to take advantage of the textile potential of regions such as Puno, with potential in raw materials and the capacity to produce products with a social value proposition.

Solution

Based on research conducted in Puno, Peru, as part of a dissertation for the MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from LSE, seven challenges that single mothers face were identified: absence of public support, lack of knowledge regarding parenting, emotional and financial abandonment by fathers, emotional challenges, struggles to balance work and motherhood, access only to informal jobs, and a strongly patriarchal society. The dissertation also researched on their needs and desires. The findings indicate that for a social enterprise to genuinely enhance the holistic well-being of low-income single mothers, its business model must provide the following: i) formal and flexible employment, providing technical training tailored to the characteristics and preferences of single mothers; ii) an on-site childcare center; and iii) an emotional well-being programme aimed at single mothers, which also involves their social support network.

Therefore, Benedicta Ayllu will provide the following:

• Technical training on knitting and weaving, to produce luxury alpaca textile pieces for interior design purposes. 
• A formal and flexible job, giving single mothers the employment stability they need.
• A childcare service in the workplace.
• Two social programmes: one focused on single mothers’ self-esteem and the other focused on parenting.

The products will be tailored to high-income economies and will include lamps, wall tapestries, and cushion covers to start with. Benedicta Ayllu contributes directly to five SDG goals: GOAL 1: No Poverty, GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being, GOAL 5: Gender Equality, GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.