Abstract
Literature on lived experiences of women who grow up without their fathers is limited. In response to this, the present study aimed to explore young women’s subjective experiences of being raised without their fathers. The study was conducted at the University of the Witwatersrand using both purposive and snowball sampling of 7 young women between the ages of 18 – 35 years who grew up with absent fathers. Narrative analysis and thematic analysis were employed to interpret the interview data. The young women’s narratives revealed both unique and shared experiences of growing up without their fathers. The findings indicate that the lived experiences of father absence varied among participants, influencing their perceptions in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, some women reported developing independence, self-reliance, and the ability to form healthy interpersonal relationships. Conversely, the absence of a father figure was also associated with challenges, such as difficulties in trusting men and forming romantic relationships.