In commemoration of the 2024 International Widows day, the wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has gifted over 100 windows drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, a cash of 50,000 Naira and a 10kg bag of rice each, through her pet project “CUSTOS CARE Foundation” to cushion the effects of the hardship orchestred by the state of widowhood and the current economic reality.

This was evident on Wednesday at the PPSMB hall, in an event organised by the office of the first lady in collaboration with her Foundation to mark the day with the theme: “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality by Emphasizing the Strength of Land and Property Rights for Widows,”

UGAMATV reports that the 2024 International Widows day was observed last Sunday globally, while Enugu state shifted it’s own to wednesday.

The United Nations observes 23rd of June annually as International Widows Day, to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.

Commending the widows for remaining resolute, resilient and steadfast in ensuring proper care of their children and the protection of the properties left behind by their late husbands, Mrs Mbah represented by the wife of the speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Nkechinyere Ugwu identified Vegetable and Fruit Selling, Food kiosk, Tailoring and Sewing Services, Hairdressing and Beauty Services, Soap and Detergent making, Beadwork and Handicrafts, as petty trades that can make them become self-reliant.

Also, the commissioner for children, gender affairs and social development, Mrs Ngozi Enih reiterated that the state has zero tolerance for any form of maltreatment, discrimination and unhealthy tradition against the widows, and encouraged them to report any case of violence against the widows to the office of the first lady, ministry of children, gender affairs and social development or the custos care foundation for onward actions.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Juliet Ike thanked the first lady and the organisers of the event for the gesture, which according to her, would go along way in annihilating their plights as widows.