Why African leaders should create Desks for Widows in govt ministries, agencies – African Widows Summit
A coalition of women under the umbrella of the African Widows Summit has urged African leaders to include and establish widows’ desks in the Africa Union, and national and international agencies to be occupied by widows.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos at the weekend, president of the Union of African Widows and the African Widows Summit, Hope Nwakwesi, said the group is working on meeting with African nations, women/gender ministers for the onward presentation of the proposal to the African Union and member states.
Nwakwesi said there is a need for greater inclusion of widows in policy planning and implementation, particularly in areas related to economic development, Land rights and allocation of resources.
She said sustainable and universal empowerment for African Widows is key to unlocking the invisible women (widows) and that it’s the responsibility of the government which involves the inclusion of widows in policy, economy, education, health and housing plans.
Nwakwesi said to deepen the understanding of widowhood issues and policy development; improve access to knowledge and information related to widows’ rights provide political leadership to address widows’ issues and catalyse solutions that will improve the values of African widows.
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She said it is committed to driving the narrative that focuses on widow’s empowerment through inclusion, emphasizing the role of government in providing political leadership and intervention through strategic policy, planning and allocation.
Nwakwesi also advocated for the social and economic roles of widows in their communities and the need for supportive frameworks through government planning and allocation.
She said: “Widows should be empowered economically to improve their livelihood and support their families to live in dignity. They should also be engaged in all decision-making at all levels to ensure their perspectives are incorporated in political, and national missions and implemented.
“The union of African Widows has laid a strong foundation for an ongoing movement that will promote a unified effort to build support and empower widows across Africa.
“The recommendations and collaborations forged at the summit require stakeholders’ partnerships to catalyze future initiatives aimed at addressing the complex challenges widows face and promoting their inclusion and well-being.”
According to her, African women in widowhood have continued to grapple with persistent challenges and the prevalence of discrimination and disinheritance measuring across five key pillars; cultural practices and beliefs, economic opportunity; political empowerment and social services and security.
She said having a policy within these borders is an action that will promote sustainable and universal empowerment for African Widows, which the government must provide.