We Will Continue To Support Widows- Helpline Foundation

By: Wisdom Acka

Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja has reiterated commitment to improving the lives of widows in the FCT.

President of the Foundation, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, gave this assurance at an event organised over the weekend to commemorate this year’s International Widows Days and celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Ahmadu said that the Foundation remained resolute in supporting vulnerable women and widows, most of whom suffer different forms of abuses, resulting into poverty.

She stated, it was important to raise awareness on the plights of widows who face all sorts of injustices, ranging from discrimination, including cultural, political and social segregation.

“Surely, widows deserve more from us -the NGOs, corporate organisations, the international community and the governments. However, through our work at the Helpline Foundation for the Needy, we have so far committed 20 years to empowering the less privileged”, she said.

“We continue to empower widows by providing them access to skills and acquisition training, non-profit loans and economic opportunities,” Ahmadu added.

Her words: “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”.

According to her, it was necessary to rebuild the lives of widows in the country, help them regain their confidence and break free from the cycle of poverty.

She called on the well spirited people not to forget that every positive action taken, no matter how small, was capable of creating a positive change in the lives of widows and vulnerable women.

The event featured two major activities, namely; launch of the book: “Rise from the Ashes”, as well as premier of a documentary, “Ajadu”, both telling stories of the plights of widows in our society.