expression
single-handedly (as a woman); on one's own (as a single mother)
Used when a woman raises children or manages a household alone, without a partner. Often followed by 育てる or similar verbs.
See also: 男手一つで
彼女は女手一つで三人の子供を育てた。
She raised three children single-handedly as a single mother.
女手一つで家計を支えるのは大変だ。
It's tough to support the household finances on one's own as a woman.
The male counterpart, meaning a man raising children or managing a household alone.
From 女手 (woman's hand/labor) + 一つ (one) + で (by means of), literally 'with one woman's hand'.