Unseen and Unheard: The Hidden Lives of Unwed Mothers' Children in Saudi Arabia

In the bustling city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a heartbreaking scene unfolds.

A Grim Reality

• Children: Born to unwed mothers, living on the streets, invisible to society.
• Mothers: Mostly Kenyan housekeepers and nannies, trapped in Saudi Arabia.
• Circumstances: Result of relationships between Kenyan women and other immigrants.

Trapped and Vulnerable

• Identification: Without proper ID, denied basic rights like education and healthcare.
• Abuse and Exploitation: Mothers face abuse, turned away by authorities, forced to live on the streets.
• Legal Limbo: Children not recognized by either country, left stateless and vulnerable.

A Desperate Situation

• Recruitment: Kenyan women encouraged to work in Saudi Arabia, find themselves in desperate situations.
• Exploitation: Many face abuse, reports of rape and beatings common.
• No Path Forward: Unwed mothers left with no options, contemplating giving up their children to the state.

Bureaucratic Maze

• Registration: Unwed mothers face a complex process involving police and social workers.
• Kenyan Embassy: Offers little help, often berates these women, making their situation worse.

A Symbol of Despair

• Gas Station in Riyadh: Where mothers gather, hoping to be deported, but even that is not guaranteed.
• No Identity, No Education, No Future: The reality for these children.

A Call to Action

• Governments and International Bodies: Need to address this issue and protect the rights of these vulnerable children.