The Federal and State governments have been called upon to create widows ministry in the scheme of governance in the country.
Some women activists who made the call during a program organized by a Non-Governmental Organization, Shalom Hope For Life Foundation to commemorate this year’s International Widows Day, argued that creating such, will ensure that the plight of widows are taken care of.
According to the United Nations, there are approximately more than 258 million widows globally with Nigeria, having about 3 million who are being deprived of their basic rights and are left unsupported after the death of their husbands.
The theme for this year is, ‘Sustainable Solutions for Widows Financial Independence’, since widows face financial difficulties.
The day seek to highlight ways widows can become financially independent and earn a living.
An activist, educationist and guest speaker at the event, Susan Umuhaba urged the Federal Government most especially to create an avenue for widows to be part of governance rather than give them what she called ‘peanuts’, in the name of empowerments.
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While encouraging widows to start a business no matter how little to ensure financial independence, Umuhaba told them not to underrate themselves.
Convener of the event and founder of the NGO, Evelyn Odeh said the time has come for government to recognize the most neglected Widows community in the society by bringing favourable policies and programs.
Some of the widows who spoke at the event said they were not aware of the International Widows Day and called for more recognition and assistance from the government and well meaning individuals.
The ultimate goal of the day is to develop resources and policy to empower widows that will enable them have access to education, work, healthcare as well as live in an environment that is free of violence and abuse.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
