Limbe III widows commemorate International Widows Day with hope to be self-empowered

Limbe III Widows Association( LITWA) marked the 16th International Widows Day with calls for economic independence and self-empowerment to overcome stigma and poverty.

The women gathered Tuesday, June 23 at Njalla Quan Sports Academy, Man O’War Bay under the theme “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Women”

Speaking at the event, the President of Limbe III Widows Association, LITWA, Hon. Yvonne Ngowo Epse Sama said the day is to reflect on challenges widows face, from property grabbing to social exclusion.

“International Widows Day reminds us that we can still stand and build for our children. Our hope is to be self-empowered through training and small business support so we don’t depend on sympathy,” Hon. Yvonne said.

She urged government, councils and NGOs to prioritize vocational training, microcredit, and legal education for widows, noting that self-reliance would help them protect their rights and contribute more to their communities.

The widows thanked Nalova Foundation, NAFONDA, for a donation of 150,000 Francs and a grinding machine to be installed next week “to empower widows of Limbe III”.

The Sub-Divisional Delegate of Women’s Empowerment and the Family for Limbe, Mme Ewane Mirabel Eyiang, said International Widows Day was instituted by UN Resolution A/RES/65/189 of Dec 21, 2010 to recognize widows’ vulnerabilities and the need to protect their rights.

“This day aims at raising awareness on the situation of widows, promoting their rights, and encouraging government and stakeholders to adopt measures that guarantee their protection, dignity and socio-economic inclusion,” Mme Ewane stated.

She added that widows still face legal, economic and social exclusion, denial of inheritance, spoliation of property, harmful traditional practices, limited access to justice and stigmatization.

Limbe III Mayor Nseke Dibotti Luma urged the widows: “You’re not alone, you’re special people that the law is protecting and God also is protecting in his supreme reign.”

The Divisional Officer for Limbe III, Dr. Ndofi Ngange Isidore, said the commemoration seeks to raise awareness on widows’ plight and encourage institutions to implement measures guaranteeing their protection and inclusion.

He admitted widows continue to face economic hardship, social exclusion, limited opportunities and discriminatory practices.

Limbe City Mayor Dr. Paul Efome L.M. Ngale praised widows for raising children after losing husbands and donated bags of rice, salt, oil and other items.

The event featured playback, recognition of patrons, special songs and talks to widows among others.

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President of Limbe III Widows Association, LITWA, Hon. Yvonne Ngowo Epse Sama addressing dignitaries and guests