I have been called a bad person for being a single mother – Vicky Zugah
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Ghanaian actress and television presenter Victoria Zugah, popularly known as Vicky Zugah, has opened up about the stigma she faces as a single parent, revealing that she has often been unfairly judged because of her status as a single mother.
Speaking during a podcast that explored single parenting, its challenges and societal perceptions, the actress lamented how deeply ingrained stereotypes continue to shape attitudes towards single parents, especially women.
“I have been called a bad person because I’m a single mother. It used to affect me back then, but not anymore,” she disclosed during the conversation.
The actress noted that in Ghanaian society, many people still associate single motherhood with moral failure or irresponsibility, despite the diverse circumstances that lead to single parenting, including divorce, separation, or widowhood.
“In our society, single parenting can be saddening when some single parents must manage all aspects of parenting alone and rely heavily on support systems such as family and friends,” she added.
The discussion also highlighted the global realities of single parenting. Statistics indicate that about 13 per cent of women aged 18 to 60 worldwide are single mothers, while 7 per cent of households globally are headed by single parents.
However, the rates are significantly higher in sub-Saharan Africa (32 per cent) and Latin America (24 per cent), reflecting deeper social and economic dynamics.
The actress further observed that modern gender roles may also influence the prevalence of single parenting, especially among women.
“In today’s world, particularly within the Ghanaian context, most men tend to prioritise their goals over their families, while many women are inclined to prioritise family over ambition,” she explained.
She argued that this imbalance often contributes to the growing number of women raising children alone, sometimes without adequate support or recognition.
