A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, has called on stakeholders across the globe to ensure improved access to skills acquisition, non-profit loans and economic opportunities for widows.
This, the NGO said was necessary to rebuilding the lives of widows in the country, thereby helping them regain their confidence and break free from the cycle of poverty.
President and founder of the Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu made the advocacy, at an event to commemorate the 2023 International Widows Day (IWD), and the 20th anniversary of the Foundation, at the weekend, in Abuja.
Ahmadu noted that the foundation remained resolute in supporting vulnerable women and widows, who most often suffer several forms of abuse, resulting in poverty.
She said it was important to raise awareness of the plights of widows who face all sorts of injustices, ranging from discrimination to cultural, political and social segregation.
She said: “Surely, widows deserve more from us, corporate organisations, the international community and the governments. Do not forget that every positive action we take, no matter how small, has the power to create a positive change in the lives of widows and vulnerable women.
“Through our work at the Helpline Foundation for the Needy, we have so far committed 20 years to empowering the less privileged.
“We are of the firm conviction that by leveraging innovation and technology, we will not only uplift the widows but also bridge the gender gap, thus creating a much more inclusive society for widows, women and girls.”
In his goodwill message, The Managing Director of the Nigeria Film Corporation (NFC), Dr Chidia Maduekwe, said the enormous work that has been done in the past twenty years and volunteered to be a part of the Helpline Foundation for the needy.
According to him: “As a medical doctor by training before I became a movie manager, I associated myself with the need to help and what I have also realised as a politician is that in the end, you help yourself when you help others because there is a joy that comes to you when you see the smiles in the faces of those you have helped. There is nothing that can be a greater gift to humanity than to help others.”
The event featured the launch of the book, titled “Rise from the Ashes” and the premier of the documentary, “Ajadu”, with both telling the stories of the plights of widows.
Some of the widows spoke on the benevolence of the NGO and called on stakeholders to emulate the Founder, by conceiving and taking actions that will result in providing more support for them in the society.
Recall that since 2011, the United Nations observes 23 June as IWD, to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.
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