Held at the Estate Baptist Church in Isolo, Lagos, hundreds of women turned up to speak with and get support from a fitness therapist, a psychiatrist, nutritionist and psychologist, who took the women through physical activities, nutrition therapy and how to keep their mental health in check even in the face of difficulties.
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Coordinator of RoSF, Oloruntosin Taiwo, said they decided to address trauma management, provide psychosocial support as well as gauge the physical fitness of the widows as these are areas often overlooked. “We observed that a lot of our women are battling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis and so on. We want them to remain in good health to take care of their children and business as well as maximise the benefits they get from the RoSF. What we do is holistic, from educational scholarships for their children, interest free loans, health checks and so on.”
Founder, Women and Children Against Child Sexual Abuse Initiative, Florence Ubajekwe, said she drew from her experience as child of a widow, whose mother became depressed when her father passed away. “I decided to go into social work to understand trauma and help women overcome both trauma and mental stress. A lot of widows are undergoing psychological trauma, coupled with the grief they are experiencing and the economy is not helping matters. Some men don’t want their wives to work and when they pass on, this becomes a huge financial problem.” she said.
A beneficiary, Nwanosike Margaret, praised the organisers for the initiative, saying it was timely and helpful for them. She said asides the knowledge gained; the sense of community was enriching; urging them to continue the programme as it is very beneficial.
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