Group Gives Succour To Widows In Imo, Empowers 10,000
OWERRI – Worried by the unabating stigmatization, property confiscation by in-laws, false accusations and sundry perpetuation of harm against widows, a Non-Governmental Organization, OffTheHook Foundation for Rural Dwellers, has stepped up awareness campaigns and advocacy to tackle the evil practices and create a society that upholds the rights and dignity of all widows.
Founder of the organisation, Ugoeze Chigbo Nwamara, disclosed this at a ceremony marking the 2024 edition of the International Widows’ Day Celebration held at the Traditional Palace of Umueze-Chokoneze, Ezinihitte Mbaise Council Area of Imo state.
Established in 2015 with a commitment that transcends beyond material aid, Lady Chigbo, who is the wife of the traditional ruler of Umueze Chokoneze autonomous community-HRH Eze Mike E.O.A Nwamara (KSC) (Ezeukwu) II, said that the Foundation had since taken cognizance of the specific challenges confronting young widows in the rural areas, especially amidst the current challenging economic situation and had provided essential resources and opportunities to improve the circumstances of approximately 10,000 over the years.
She explained that the theme, “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality”, and strengthening land and property rights was equally meant to highlight the urgent need to address these critical issues and ensure that widows had equal opportunities and rights.
“The offthehook Foundation for Rural Dwellers is not celebrating widowhood; rather, we are using the occasion of International Widows’ Day to raise awareness of the real issues of widowhood through our dedicated efforts and the generous contributions of our sponsors, we have witnessed firsthand, the profound impact our support has had on the lives of these resilient women in the areas under our care.”
The ceremony featured medical outreaches and distribution of clothing household items and food items to approximately 500 widows, skillful engagement of 50 young widows on soap making and empowerment for them to establish their own businesses.