IWD 2024: Foundation urges widows to embark on journey of rediscovery, growth
Widows
By Joan Odafe
Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Serendipity House Widows Foundation, has called on widows to embark on the journey of rediscovery and growth to find a sense of purpose for living.
The President and International Missioner of the Foundation, Mrs Ayo Yemisi-Jaiyeola, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day (IWD).
IWD, celebrated every June 23, is a day set aside by the United Nations to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanise the unique support that they need.
Yemisi-Jaiyeola said widowhood was a journey nobody prepared for, a path filled with unimaginable pain and grief.
She, however, said in spite of the grief associated with it, widowhood was not a destination.
She said if widows took out time to assess their situation, examine themselves, they would have a deeper understanding of themselves and eventually live transformed lives.
“It’s a journey that takes time, patience and self-compassion.
“As we navigate the darkness of grief, we begin to discover hidden strengths, resilience and a capacity for growth we never knew we had.
“In the widowhood journey, know that it’s a path that winds and turns, filled with ups and downs but ultimately leads to a brighter, more fulfilling future,” she said.
Yemisi-Jaiyeola cautioned widows against living a laid back life while wishing their needs would be met.
She urged widows, single mothers and women going through the process of a divorce to ensure they worked hard to secure their future.
Speaking on IWD 2024, Yemisi-Jaiyeola said the foundation planned a programme aimed at giving widows the opportunity to socialise, support and help each other find solutions to their challenges.
“It is also an opportunity to release the need placards, show the Africanism in our widowhood, which is different from the western part of the world,” she said.
She urged government at all levels to create database of widows so they can plan for their welfare. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
JOJO/FAA
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran