The death of a partner for women around the world, especially military and Police wives is magnified by a long-term fight for their basic rights and dignity. Millions of personnel widows around the world have historically been left unseen, unsupported, and unmeasured in our societies.
Today, as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, displacement, leave tens of thousands of women newly widowed and many others whose partners were killed in battle or died as a result of sickness, there is need for widows to be brought to the forefront, with their voices being heard.
Military widow is not a title any service member’s wife thinks they will attain, but for these ones, it is a reality that eventually brought them closer to other widows going through the same unimaginable loss and marking International Widows Day 2024 in Abuja, President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, DEPOWA Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa feted hundreds of military and Police widows of our fallen heroes.
She noted that widows particularly in developing countries, often experience discrimination, social isolation and economic hardship following the death of their husbands. They may face obstacles in inheriting property, accessing education and healthcare and participating in the workforce and many widows and their children are trapped in a cycle of poverty, vulnerability and marginalization.
"Today, we gather to honor your strength, your resilience and your courage, we acknowledge the pain and the loss you have endured, but we also celebrate your determination and your refusal to be defined by grief. We recognize that your journey is not easy, that there are days when the darkness feels overwhelming.
"But we want to remind you that you are not alone. You have each other, you have your loved ones and you have a global community such as DEPOWA that stands with you in solidarity. It is worthy to note that DEPOWA over the years has impacted positively on wives of fallen heroes, youths and less privileged through empowerments, sponsorships, donations and trainings.
"Precisely on 6th June 2024, another batch of Trainees began their training at the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre were wives of fallen heroes and youths are presently being trained on Bag Making, Information Technology, Production of Household items, Hair making and Tying of gele, Tailoring and Culinary.
"The essence of training widows in skill acquisition programs is to assist in becoming financially independent, confident and empowered individuals who can thrive and contribute positively to your communities. Therefore, DEPOWA, will continue to do its bit towards assisting the wives of fallen heroes and widows generally", she revealed
Speaking earlier, a Consultant Public Health Physician and Chairperson, Organising Committee DEPOWA, Dr Juliette Ariyo the 2024 International Widows Day is a day approved by the United Nations to raise awareness about the needs and challenges facing widows worldwide and to advocate for the rights.
There were presentations by Mrs Rachael Dades on Mental Health & Copng Strategies, Mrs Bibinu Saleh also took the women on Financial Management, Mrs Amara Ezedinru had a presentation on Unleash Yourself.
In addition, some widows shared their experiences, while the Mother of the Day, a former DEPOWA President, Mrs Alero Azazi urged widows to shun isolation and seek help when the need arises.