Lagos – The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN) and Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs (RWMWA) partnership has brought rescue to over a hundred widows through skills, business and financial empowerment at the 2024 International Widows’ Day.

The empowerment programme titled ‘Skills for Widows’ Empowerment took place on Monday at the Women Development Centre in Port Harcourt.
Many participants were moved to tears as the widows took turns to tell stories of their struggles for survival with their families amid discrimination, stigma, sufferings and economic hardship.
A relaease signed by Dr. (Mrs) Joan Agha, UNAN’s President, reads, “In honor of this year’s International Widows’ Day, the Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs (RWMWA), in collaboration with the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), held a successful empowerment programme titled ‘Skills for Widows’ Empowerment. The event took place on Monday, July 1st, at the Women Development Centre in Port Harcourt.
More than a hundred widows came together for the occasion to share their own stories, difficulties, and coping techniques. This gave the participants a forum for understanding and encourage one another,” the statement added.
The programme’s goal was to provide the women useful skills, including how to make soap and bleach, in order to help them become independent and financially secure.
Apart from the skills empowerment training, participants received monetary prizes. Specifically, ten widows received further support in the form of start-up kits to aid in the launch of their own enterprises. The empowerment programme highlighted RWMWA and UNAN’s dedication to provide both the expertise and the resources required by the widows to execute their businesses.
Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, Commissioner for Women Affairs of Rivers State, was the special guest of honour at the occasion.
In her message of goodwill, Dr. Uranta assured the widows that the state government was committed to easing their pain and urged them to seek assistance whenever necessary. The state government, she said, “is doing everything humanly possible to support and uplift the lives of Rivers people,” highlighting the government’s continuous initiatives to enhance widows’ welfare.”
The hybrid event had robust virtual participation of Dr. Agha, UNAN’S President; Mrs. Ijeoma Nweke, Vice President, Dr. Omopeju Afanu, Secretary General; and other executives and members of the Association from around Nigeria. They conveyed their great admiration for the widows’ fortitude and strength. “We are devoted to helping you establish better futures for yourself and your families. Together, we can do great things,” Dr. Agha said, assuring the widows.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Mercy Bello Abu, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, thanked all attendees for their contribution in advocating for widows’ rights and well-being, while highlighting the importance of the collaboration to observe International Widow’s Day. She emphasised that the event demonstrates the travails, perseverance and courage of widows worldwide. She closed by reinforcing the group’s resolve to making a good change in the lives of widows.
Present as well was Rivers State’s Director of Finance and Accounts, who stressed the state’s dedication to the cause of widows.
The observance of International Widow’s Day in Rivers State showed not just the challenges experienced by widows, but also the power and tenacity of these women when given the necessary support and opportunity.