Participants received gifts of food, Christian literature and training.

Widows, widowers and their orphans have been equipped to face rising social and economic challenges. The event, which was a continuity of activities marking the World Widows Day commemorated last June 26, took place in the Conference Hall of the Regional Delegation of Women’s Empowerment and Family in Bonanjo on Friday, July 5.

Presided over by Elong Emilienne Alice, Regional Delegate for Women’s Empowerment and Family, the one-day seminar held under the theme, “Empowering widows through modern professional trainings to meet up with rising social and economic demands”. The main goal was to teach participants concrete solutions to the challenges and trends of widows, so as to create a better future together with them.

The team of experts consisting of lawyers, “men and women of God”, and civil society activists sensitised the participants on their rights, the concern of the society and trained them on various skills to encourage their insertion into the social and professional fabrics.

Organised by the faith-based association, New World Altogether (NWA), the event was an opportunity to offer gifts of clothing, body lotion, rice, books and soap among others, to the vulnerable of the society. Besides, the distribution of Christian literature, free medical consultations and drugs were provided to the participants, according to needs. Most consulted for high blood pressure, diabetes and body infections, among others.

The objectives, according to Annie Smith, President of NWA, were to identify problems faced by widows, widowers, orphans, group leaders and secretaries of women’s associations within our communities, develop a concrete approach to addressing the problems, distribute gospel literature, provide material donations as well as exposed the participants to expert help.