Enugu: The Africa Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Healing Hearts Widow’s Support Foundation (HHWSF), has taken a firm stand against discrimination and harmful traditional practices targeting widows in Enugu. The initiative, part of their 2025 Widows’ Outreach, aims to empower widows by restoring their dignity and rekindling hope.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the outreach was highlighted during an event organized by AWLA Nigeria in partnership with the international non-governmental charity organization, HHWSF. The President of AWLA, Nigeria, Mrs. Caroline Ibharuneafe, emphasized the importance of the event, highlighting the need to empower widows and restore their hope and dignity. She pointed out that in many parts of Igboland, widows and their daughters face severe discrimination, often being denied property and a voice in societal matters.
Ibharuneafe expressed that the theme of the outreach underscores the urgent need to address and reform traditions and institutions that oppress widows. She stressed the importance of reclaiming the rights of widows in their matrimonial homes and affirming the rights of the girl child. She also detailed the various injustices faced by widows, including eviction, disinheritance, and forced rituals, despite constitutional guarantees for their dignity.
The event provided widows with essential supplies such as rice, garri, and spaghetti. Beneficiaries were selected from various states to ensure wide-reaching support. Mrs. Gozie Udemezue, the South-East Coordinator of AWLA and Founder of HHWSF, highlighted the organization’s mission to promote the rights and welfare of women and children. She explained how HHWSF fosters a community of widows who support each other by paying school fees and providing food.
Udemezue elaborated on the foundation’s funding, which comes from international supporters, families, individuals, and social media donors, alongside contributions from its members. The Enugu State AWLA Coordinator, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwagbara, noted that this outreach is an annual event aligned with the Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference to empower and educate widows about their rights.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Catherine Obodoekwe, shared her gratitude, acknowledging the positive impact both AWLA and HHWSF have had on Nigerian widows by educating them on resilience and empowerment.
