By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
No fewer than 200 Widows graced Helpline Social Support Initiative’s Skills Exhibition and Charity Sales with their variety of products and services.
The event was organised by the Helpline Foundation For The Needy to celebrate the talents and resilience of widows to mark the 2024 International Widows Day, participants mainly widows were drawn from the six FCT Area Councils.
One of the exhibitors from Gwagwalada Area Council, Hajara Muhammad, who showcased her homemade weaved wares, said she acquired the skills through the Helpline Initiative, which is helping her sustain herself and children after the demise of her husband.
“Since I came to this Helpline Foundation I have been able to use this skills to train my children in school and also train other women
“Before I joined Helpline, I had nothing doing but, they empowered me, and got me treads which I used to weave and use am train my children, and from there I’m able to feed them, pay their school fees and take care of their needs”, she stated.
Another widow, Kande Malam a widow from Garki Area 1, while appreciating the organisers for the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills, said Helpline gave them money, which they used to start their beni-seed snack business.
According to her, they have diversified into production of duve, liquid soap, air freshener, Garri, and so many other things.
She said:” We started with small measure of beni-seed, but now even if you look at our stand, you will see how large we have become. We have diversified into production of duve, liquid soap, air freshener, Garri, and so many other things.
“We thank God for Dr Jumai for upholding widows, not only in Abuja, but up to Niger state, Nasarawa and even Kaduna state. May God continue to bless her with good health and long life.”
She however, called for more supports from government and well meaning Nigerians to come up with initiatives that would encourage widows.
“For instance, most of us don’t have shops so we need to carry our business from office to office and house to house because we don’t have shops.
“It will be nice if government can create support groups for widows of support NGOs like Helpline Foundation for the Needy, so they can extend such gestures to us”, she stressed.
Ealier, the Project Manager, Helpline Social Support Initiative, Arome Onoja, who represented the President of the Initiative, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, said the organisation decided to celebrate the strength and resilience of widows who, despite facing immense challenges and grief, have emerged as beacons of hope and agents of positive change.
He noted that through the exhibition and charity sales event, is the opportunity to not only appreciate the talents of these widows but also to support them in their journey towards economic independence and self-empowerment.
He adds: ” By purchasing their products and promoting their skills, we are not just investing in their future but also acknowledging their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
“I commend all the widows who have participated in this event for their dedication, talent, and resilience. Your presence here today is a testament to your strength and determination to overcome challenges and create a better future for yourselves and your families.”
He continued: “As we mark this International Widows Day with the theme of “Widows for Peace through Democracy,” let us reflect on the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality in building a more harmonious and democratic society.
“As we showcase the skills and creativity of widows, let us not only admire their craftsmanship but also recognize the crucial role they play in promoting peace and democracy within their communities. Widows have a unique perspective and a powerful voice that can contribute to fostering harmony, understanding, and inclusivity in society.
“Widows bring a unique perspective and experience to the table, and it is crucial that their voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes at all levels.
