By JIDAUNA DARING
OVER 200 widows across the 17 local government areas of Plateau State have been selected to participate in a two-day training workshop on production of household items that will put food on their tables.
Plateau State First Lady, Barrister Helen Mutfwang, stated this during press briefing to mark this year’s International Widows Day, held at Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, recently.
The First Lady disclosed that the day was launched by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness on the violation of widow’s rights in many countries following the death of their spouses, the discrimination and poverty suffered by widows and develop policies and programmes tailored towards addressing their problems.
“We will continue to work assiduously to initiate programmes that will improve the wellbeing of widows in particular and women generally,” Helen Mutfwang emphasized.
She maintained that Governor Mutfwang had demonstrated his passion and commitment to the well-being of widows in the state by empowering widows of legionnaires across the 17 LGAs with financial grants to boost their micro and small businesses.
She added that it was also imperative to note that some widows have been trained in financial literacy, business management and marketing skills, sensitization on land ownership and property rights.
Mutfwang called on governments at all levels, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), religious groups, community leaders and all citizens to work together to protect widows from harmful cultural practices.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Plateau State, Hon. Caroline Dafur, expressed delight about the event and appreciated the governor and the First Lady for embracing widows in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the widows, Mrs. Na’omi Elisha thanked the governor’s wife for ameliorating their plight and assured of the widows support to the present administration in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Accelerating the achievements of gender equality’.
