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The CBA Foundation recently made two prestigious wins at the Pitcher Awards 2025.
It’s works, ‘The Repression of Widowhood’ was honoured with Silver for Societal Impact in the Effectiveness Category and Bronze for Non-Profit Organisations in the Pitcher for Good Category.
The Silver for Societal Impact in the Effectiveness Category award celebrates the measurable impact of creative work. The entries in the Societal Impact subcategory demonstrate how campaigns drove tangible results and contributed to cultural, social, or environmental change, or were instrumental in achieving a brand’s purpose.
The Bronze for Non-Profit Organisations in the Pitcher for Good Category award recognises communications or initiatives addressing social or environmental issues, created by non-profits or in partnership between non-profit and for-profit organisations.
This is a proud moment for the CBA Foundation, digitXplus, and for every widow whose life was touched.
When the foundation began the ‘Repression of Widowhood’ campaign, it wasn’t about awards, it was about dignity.
“About restoring voices that had been silenced, standing up for widows in society, often forgotten and left behind.”
According to Chinwe Bode Akinwande, Founder, CBA Foundation, this recognition is for every woman who thought her story had ended.
She said It’s a reminder that “we see you, we hear you, and we will keep fighting for you.”
“It’s not every day you get to be at the forefront of a vision that truly changes lives. We’re proud of this win, but even prouder of the impact,” argued Damilola Popoola, Head of Strategy, digitXplus.
In Nigeria, over 15 million women are widows, with a significant proportion classified as underprivileged or disadvantaged.
Many face abuse, exclusion, neglect, or even accusations of killing their husbands.
Some are thrown out of their homes; most are left to survive alone, with children to care for and no one to care for them.
“That’s where we stepped in.
“What started as a podcast to educate widows on their legal rights evolved into a national movement.
“From online awareness to real-life action, we mobilised a ‘Walkathon’ that inspired everyday Nigerians to walk in solidarity.
“We weren’t just raising voices, we were raising support, echoing the pain of disadvantaged widows.
“But awareness alone was never enough. We listened to the cries behind the silence, and we acted.
“With the help of five FMCG brands, we delivered: Food relief and healthcare to 412 widows across Lagos, Ogun, and Anambra
“Seed funding and financial empowerment for over 20 women to start their businesses
“Free healthcare for 202 widows
“169 children returned to school
“Seven impactful podcast episodes reaching over 51,000 listeners
“A sustainable skill-building initiative, *Art Piece of Hope*, teaching widows tie & dye fabric-making for long-term income
“These are not just numbers, they are stories of resilience.
“This campaign gave them more than resources. It gave them back hope, dignity, and a future.
This wasn’t just a campaign.
It was a commitment to justice, to humanity, to lasting change.
And we’re not stopping here.
We’re walking for hope, until every widow stands tall again.”
