IWD : Stakeholders Harp On Support To Alleviate Sufferings Of Widows

International Widows Day is an annual day of action to address the injustice and poverty faced by millions of widows world over.

This is owing to the fact that many of them find themselves in difficult situations and sometimes even get ejected from their communities.

According to Correspondent Manko Nden, losing a loved one in any capacity could be difficult and traumatic.

It is more so for women whose husbands took up most family responsibilities .

In many countries of the world, widows are often denied the rights to their husbands’ assets.

There are also cultures, especially in Africa where widows are seen as being cursed, or associated with the practice of witchcraft.

For these reasons, a member of the United Kingdom House of Lords, Rajinder Loomba,inspired by his own mother’s situation, founded the Loomba Foundation in 2005 to address the issues faced by widows in developing countries.

In December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly adopted June 23 as the official day for the annual celebration of International Widows Day.

On the occasion, governments all over the world are urged to take action to uphold their commitments to ensure the rights of widows.

Some widows in the FCT described their experiences as harrowing and inhuman.

Hajiya Aisha Zubair, the Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department, AMAC identified efforts at the local government level to include vocational training and empowerment to alleviate the plight of widows.

On her part, the President Military Wives Association, Mrs Veronica Aloko advised widows to acquire skills that will enable them to be self reliant.

As we mark this year’s International Widows Day, it is time to walk the talk: help a widow around you.

Manko Nden, Edited By Grace Namiji