Ambassador Uju Marks International Widows Day, Seeks Greater Protection for Widows

The Founder of Uju Charity and Empowerment Initiative (UCEI), Ambassador Uju, has called for greater protection, inclusion and support for widows as the world commemorates International Widows Day.

Speaking to mark the occasion, Ambassador Uju said the annual observance serves as a reminder that widows are visible, valuable and deserving of dignity, protection and a sense of belonging in society.

She condemned harmful cultural practices and discrimination against widows, noting that many women continue to suffer neglect, rejection and injustice following the death of their husbands.

According to her, some widows are wrongly accused of causing their husbands’ deaths, while others are stripped of their property by relatives and left to struggle alone with the responsibility of raising their children.

Ambassador Uju further noted that many widows find it difficult to provide basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare and education for their children, with the burden of hospital bills, house rent and school fees making life even more challenging.

The UCEI founder therefore urged governments, organisations, communities and individuals to protect the rights of widows and put an end to harmful traditional practices targeted against them.

She also advocated for programmes that would empower widows through education, skills acquisition and economic opportunities, enabling them to become financially independent and self-reliant.

Ambassador Uju further called for stronger social support systems to assist widows in caring for their children while promoting inclusion and equal treatment within families and society.

She stressed the need for collective action to ensure that every widow lives with dignity, hope, courage and the support she deserves.

“As a society, we must stand with widows and ensure that none is left behind,” she said.