Foundation tasks Lagos government on empowerment for widows
Executive members of the Rose of Sharon Foundation and some select widows at the virtual meeting to deepen their financial capabilities and drive financial inclusion held in Lagos recently
The Lagos State government has been urged to improve the welfare of widows through financial inclusion and empowerment.
Stakeholders gave the charge during an advocacy walk that saw members of the Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF) taking their message to the House of Assembly alongside several widows, as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Widows Day (IWD) held in Lagos.
IWD is a day marked around the world to highlight and sensitise on issues affecting widows around the world and the need to safeguard and advance their rights.
Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Sustainable Solutions for Widows Financial Independence,’ Country Manager, RoSF, Dr. Ndudi Bowei, stated that the foundation was working on sustainable strategies to make widows truly financially independent to improve the quality of their lives and prevent them from turning beggars and destitute.
“Many widows are faced with economic challenges, especially during these times. They are within the poverty line because they lack financial power and as a matter of urgency, we are seeking socioeconomic protection for Nigerian widows.”
She stressed the need for the Lagos State Government to domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) to give widows legal backing and improve their overall situation.
She further revealed that the Lagos State Prohibition Against Domestic Violence Law, 2007, does not protect widows nor address their challenges.
