Tina Amanda
As the world marks International Widows Day, widows in Rivers state have been urged to engage in meaningful activities, including acquiring skills that can empower them for life.
Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, while speaking during an event themed: “Sustainable Solution for Widows Financial Independence” to mark the 2022 International Widows Day organised by FIDA Rivers State, in Port Harcourt, said widows should make a conscious effort towards being financially independent, purposeful, industrious, making wise choices and decisions.
Cookey-Gam, a former Secretary to the State Government noted that though widowhood is inevitable, some factors have also hampered widowhood such as gender stereotypes, financial illiteracy, and lack of capital to grow their businesses.
She, however, called on the government to put policies and programs in place to ensure that financial services providers offer favorable services that are available to women.
“A widow in addition to managing her grief will have to handle certain affairs and plan for her immediate future and that of her children. The secret of financial independence and its sustainability lies primarily with the woman.
“Human limitations make it impossible for us to know when, how, and the circumstances of the death of a spouse. These uncertainties underscore the importance of consciously planning for the future.
“A widow must plan in advance for the future to ensure she does not suffer hardship whenever the inevitable occurs. Married women must ensure they have a means of livelihood, they must be gainfully employed or engage in some business or trade that yields income, gone are the days when men were regarded as bread winner and women housewives.
“From the current economic trends globally it is evident that the family can better be sustained from multiple family incomes, which enable families to lead better quality lives, save for the rainy day and plan their future”.
She said it is commendable for women to have academic achievement and education, invest in self development, getting additional skills and knowledge to harness greater opportunities.
On their part, some widows participants who spoke to our correspondent thanked FIDA for celebrating the Day with them and educating them on widows right.
