June 23, earmarked for International Widows Day. A day set aside by the United Nations to draw attention to the voices, experiences and needs of widows and to galvanize unique support for over 250 million widows all around the world, who are often left unseen, unsupported, and unmeasured in our society.
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to observe this day, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has restated its commitment in collaborating with stakeholders to ensure widow’s human rights are protected in the country.
The Permanent Secretary of Women Affairs, Mrs. Monilola Udoh gave the assurance during its Community Level Engagement exercise in commemoration of the 2023 International Widows Day at Karu in Abuja on Friday.
Udoh who expressed appreciation for the presence of traditional rulers, religious leaders, women organizations and all widows present, said the ministry is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the general well-being of Women, Children and other vulnerable groups in the societies are achieved by formulating policies, guidelines and implementation of programmes/projects that will improve their lives while ensuring that these are achieved even with meagre resources that are available.
She said this year’s theme “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” is intended to spotlight the fact that a gender responsive approach to innovation, technology and digital education can increase their awareness and empowerment on various issues regarding widows rights and civic engagements, thus advancing towards achieving the 2030 Agenda in lieu of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that this years’ objectives are intended to give widows the chance to come forward and give information about their struggles, to empower all widows by demanding better facilities and opportunities for them, to advocate for the upliftment of women in order to make them self-sufficient, to further address the regressive mentality of people regarding women and their place in society, and to sensitize the populace and government on the need to develop policies and programmes that will alleviate the sufferings of widows and their families.
Udoh said the Ministry is committed to working with stakeholders in ensuring human rights of widows and providing women with information on access to a fair share of their inheritance, land and productive resources; pensions and social protection that are not based on marital status alone; decent work and equal pay; education and training opportunities. Adding that widows need to be empowered to support themselves and their families.
“This also means addressing social stigmas that create exclusion, and discriminatory or harmful practices and training in vocational skills of their interest. This is the reason the Ministry has chosen Karu Community for grass root mobilization and sensitization on the plight of Widows for support whether they are single, married, separated or widowed.
“In addition, the Ministry in collaboration with NigWED project to profile about 300 Widows for reorientation and understanding the reality of life by empowering them with life skills, training and capacity building on using orange fleshed sweet potatoes. The Widows Hub Africa Initiative also with the Ministry is creating awareness on innovation and technology for gender equality which aligns with this year’s theme. This activity is to enable Widows have access to information on the importance of innovation and technology in doing business.
“Although challenges still exist in addressing issues of discrimination, and poverty reduction amongst women including Widows, renewed commitment and determination by all stakeholders is paramount to attaining the desired results. Collectively, I believe we will realize the goal of reducing poverty in our society by engaging women meaningfully”, said the Permanent Secretary.
Meanwhile, the District Head of Peshe-Karu Abuja, Chief Atnadu Iyakura Shanyibwa, appreciated the ministry for the rare gesture of providing palliatives that will help to ameliorate the suffering of women and widows and promised to remain focused in providing support to women and children in the community.
Mrs Agnes Nwaka, a widow, on her part called on the federal government to enact laws that will protect the rights of widows and their children across 36 states of the federation and to make sure they are not left behind in the society.
Highlights of the day include condolence visit to the wife of late Emir of Karu, Mrs. Sarah Kyauta on the passing of her husband, HRH Emmanuel Kyauta, and distribution of food items, toiletries among other items to several women’s associations.