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 program’s goal was to provide these women useful skills, such how to make soap and bleach, in order to help them become independent and financially secure.

All recipients got training in addition to monetary prizes, and ten widows received further support in the form of start-up kits to aid in the launch of their own enterprises. This concrete assistance highlights RWMWA and UNAN’s dedication to supply both the expertise and the resources required to put those plans into action.

The Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs of Rivers State, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, was the special guest of honor at the occasion. Present as well was Rivers State’s Director of Finance & Accounts, who emphasized the state’s dedication to the cause.

In her message of goodwill, Dr. Uranta told 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 event also included virtual participation from UNAN’s President, Dr. (Mrs) Joan Agha; Vice President, Mrs. Ijeoma Nweke; Secretary General, Dr. Omopeju Afanu; 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, reflecting the broad attitude of hope and empowerment.

In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Dr. Mercy Bello Abu, extended a warm greeting to all attendees, highlighting the importance of joining together to observe International Widow’s Day. She emphasized that the event demonstrates the perseverance, fortitude, and courage of widows worldwide. Dr. Abu honored their travels and acknowledged the particular obstacles they confront, thanking them for their help in campaigning for widows’ rights and well-being. She closed by reinforcing the group’s resolve to making a good change in their lives.

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.