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SPOTLIGHTS
- Widows urged to take time for self-reflection and work hard for a brighter future
- Foundation calls for government support and a database of widows
By Henry Uche, Lagos
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Serendipity House Widows Foundation, has called on widows to embark on a journey of rediscovery and growth to find a sense of purpose for living.
The President/International Missioner of the Foundation, Mrs Ayo Yemisi-Jaiyeola, made the call on June 23, 2024, in commemoration of International Widows Day (IWD).
IWD, celebrated annually on June 23, is a day designated by the United Nations to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanise the unique support they need.
Yemisi-Jaiyeola acknowledged that widowhood is a challenging journey filled with unimaginable pain and grief. However, she emphasized that despite the associated grief, widowhood is not a destination.
She encouraged widows to take time to assess their situation and examine themselves, stating that this introspection would lead to a deeper understanding of themselves and ultimately enable them to live transformed lives.
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“It’s a journey that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. As we navigate the darkness of grief, we begin to discover hidden strengths, resilience, and a capacity for growth we never knew we had,” she said.
“In the widowhood journey, know that it’s a path that winds and turns, filled with ups and downs but ultimately leads to a brighter, more fulfilling future,” she maintained.
While urging widows, single mothers, and women going through divorce to work hard towards their future, she cautioned widows against living a passive life while expecting their needs to be met.
“The Foundation planned a program aimed at giving widows the opportunity to socialize, support, and help each other find solutions to their challenges. It is also an opportunity to release the need placards, show the Africanism in our widowhood, which is different from the western part of the world. Governments at all levels must create a database of widows so they can plan for their welfare,” she added.
