Former Head of Radio at Royal Media Services, Joyce Gituro, has opened up about the hardships she faced after parting ways with her husband. In a candid conversation on The Lynn Ngugi Show, the veteran media personality reflected on her career, experiences with love, and the challenges of raising children as a single mother.
A Flourishing Career
Joyce built a successful career in radio and always envisioned leaving the corporate world by 50 to pursue entrepreneurship. However, she made the leap earlier than planned, resigning from Mediamax at 46 to start her own public relations firm.
A Marriage That Led Her to Faith
Although initially reluctant to discuss her marriage, Joyce revealed that her ex-husband played a pivotal role in her spiritual journey. He introduced her to church and salvation, shaping her faith. Despite their separation, she maintained a respectful perspective on their past and encouraged her children to stay connected with their father, even advising them to share part of their income with him once they started earning.
Reflecting on their time together, she recalled how her former husband’s preaching inspired many. “He would preach, and people would get saved. So many admired us—they saw us smiling with our children in church,” she reminisced.
However, their marriage eventually ended, leaving Joyce heartbroken. “This is the man who led me to Christ, and then he left me,” she shared. The pain of their separation pushed her into depression, and she turned to alcohol, a struggle that took her four years to overcome.
The Challenges of Dating as a Single Mother
Navigating the dating world after her separation proved to be complicated. “I tried dating, and at times, I wondered if it would have been better to go back to my ex-husband,” she said with a touch of humor.
She acknowledged the difficulties single mothers face in relationships and expressed admiration for men who embrace women with children. One of her relationships lasted two years but ultimately ended due to her partner’s lack of commitment. “It started well with a mature person, but over time, I questioned where it was going. He wasn’t making time for me and the kids,” she explained.
Facing Stigma and Isolation
Beyond dating, Joyce also encountered judgment from married women. Some distanced themselves from her, fearing she might pose a threat to their marriages. She recalled an instance when she was denied membership in a women’s savings group (chama) simply because she was no longer married. “After we separated, some married women cut ties with me. They doubted my morals and assumed I might ‘snatch’ their husbands,” she shared, shedding light on the harsh stereotypes single mothers face.
A Story of Strength and Faith
Despite the challenges, Joyce continues to inspire many with her resilience, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to her faith, family, and career. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and staying true to oneself, regardless of life’s obstacles.
