International Widows Day: Empowering Widows in Nigeria, A Step Towards Gender Equality

By Lucky Ihanza

International Widows Day, commemorated on June 23, is a platform to shed light on the challenges faced by widows worldwide and aims to bring attention to their struggle for justice, equality, and economic stability. In Nigeria, available estimates indicate that over 8 million widows exist, and the hardships experienced by these women are particularly pronounced. This piece delves into the plight of widows in Nigeria, the importance of International Widows Day, and the efforts of Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) to support these courageous women. DDI is a Nigerian not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities.

The Plight of Widows in Nigeria: Widows in Nigeria endure numerous challenges that hinder their well-being as well as gender equality. These challenges include economic vulnerability, limited access to education and employment opportunities, discriminatory cultural practices, and social stigmatization. Many widows struggle to provide for themselves and their children, facing barriers when attempting to claim inheritance rights or start their own businesses. Such circumstances perpetuate a cycle of poverty, a situation further exacerbated by the lack of support systems and resources available to widows.

International Widows Day: Recognizing the critical need to address the issues faced by widows, the United Nations designated June 23 as International Widows Day in 2010. This annual observance serves as a platform to raise awareness for and advocate the rights of widows worldwide. The theme for International Widows Day 2023,

“Innovation and technology for gender equality,” emphasizes the role of innovation and technological advancements in bridging the gender gap and empowering widows.

DDI’s Commitment to Empower Widows: Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) has been a steadfast champion for the rights of widows in Nigeria since its establishment in 2002. Complementing the efforts of development agencies and funding organizations, DDI provides technical assistance and support in designing, planning, and implementing various development initiatives. With a focus on sectors such as agriculture, agro-based businesses, off-grid energy solutions, youth-led entrepreneurship development, and economic empowerment, DDI aims to create sustainable pathways for widows to rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence.

DDI’s Interventions for Widows: DDI recognizes the importance of empowering widows through business support, enterprise management, Youth/Women-led Enterprise Support, skills training, business planning, design and marketing of products, identification of marketing channels, etc. DDI, with funding from its donors and partners, also facilitates support for youth, women and social entrepreneurs in Nigeria, providing them access to grant funding to launch and expand their businesses/social enterprises.

Through producer groups/cooperatives, DDI works closely with widows to identify their specific needs and develop tailored programs that address their challenges. Through vocational training initiatives and smart agriculture training, widows gain valuable skills in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other sectors, enabling them to generate income and become self-reliant. DDI also facilitates access to microcredit and financial services, empowering widows to start their own businesses and improve their economic situations.

In addition to economic empowerment, DDI also lends its voice to raising awareness about widowhood rights and combating social stigmatization, engaging in advocacy campaigns, amplifying the voices of widows and providing them with a platform to share their stories. By so doing, DDI aims to contribute to the global efforts to dismantle societal barriers and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.

International Widows Day serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges faced by widows in Nigeria and around the world. The theme of “Innovation and technology for gender equality” encourages us to harness the power of innovation to uplift widows and create a more equitable society. Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) has been at the forefront of empowering widows in Nigeria, offering a holistic approach that combines economic empowerment, skills training, and advocacy efforts. By supporting organizations like DDI and working collectively, we can ensure that widows in Nigeria are given the opportunities they deserve and accelerate the achievement of gender equality.

Happy International Widows Day!
Lucky Ihanza, a Communications and Resource Mobilization Specialist at Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI), writes from Abuja.

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