As the world marks International Widows Day, the Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, has reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to the welfare, dignity, protection, and empowerment of widows across the state.
In her message commemorating the day, Hon. Abdallah noted that International Widows Day, observed annually on June 23 by the United Nations, highlights the unique challenges faced by millions of widows worldwide.
These include economic hardship, social exclusion, discrimination, and limited access to opportunities and support services.
The Commissioner stated that widows play vital roles in their families and communities, often demonstrating remarkable strength, resilience and courage in the face of loss and adversity.
She stressed that society must move beyond sympathy to deliberate actions that protect the rights and improve the living conditions of widows.
” _Today, we honour the strength, resilience and invaluable contributions of widows in Edo State and across the world. Many widows continue to face social, economic and emotional challenges after the loss of their spouses. As a government, we remain committed to ensuring that no widow is left behind in our quest for an inclusive, equitable and compassionate society,”_ she said.
Hon. Abdallah further emphasized that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will continue to advocate for policies and programmes that enhance social protection, economic empowerment, access to justice and psychosocial support for widows and other vulnerable groups.
She commended Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his people-centred approach to governance and his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of women, children and vulnerable persons in Edo State.
The Commissioner also called on families, communities, civil society organizations, faith-based groups and development partners to join hands with government in eliminating harmful cultural practices, discrimination and stigmatization against widows, while creating opportunities that enable them to live productive and fulfilling lives.
” _As we commemorate International Widows Day, let us renew our collective resolve to uphold the rights, dignity and wellbeing of widows. Together, we can build a society where every widow is respected, supported and empowered to thrive,”_ she added.
International Widows Day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the challenges faced by widows and to promote actions that safeguard their rights and wellbeing.
