International Widows Day:

Limbe Gov’t Delegate donates generously to widows

By Nwo-Fuanya in Limbe

Andrew MotangaMonjimba

The Limbe City Council through its very dynamic Government Delegate, Andrew MotangaMonjimba on Thursday 23 June 2016 demonstrated solidarity with widows in the municipality by through generous donations to them.

                Though the government Delegate is known for giving generously to the widows at different points in time, last Thursday’s gifts were varied and significant. The gifts comprised of uncountable bags of rice, packets of soap, cartons of vegetable oil amongst other items.

                The donation was part of activities to mark the 6th edition of the International Widows Day.

                Celebrated under theme “For a synergy of International Interventions in favor of Widows and Orphans” , the high point of the day was marked by the communion between the widows under the umbrella of the South West Widows Association (SOWA) and the Government Delegate to the Limbe Council, Andrew MotangaMonjimba.

                In his remarks he said he is very much aware of what the widows go through on a daily basis adding that he will always continue to show solidarity towards them. Motanga reminded the widows that as a widower himself, he shares several concerns with the widows, adding that in the future more support shall be made available in different forms.

The SDO for Fako who also witnessed the event assured the widows of the continuous commitment of the state to protect and defend the rights of women in general and those of widows in particular. He said government is already doing much to put in place legislation that protects the rights of women and to assist widows in particular.

                The Divisional Delegate of Women’s Empowerment and the Family for Fako, Madam Ashu Nee Veronica Nkwenti, for her part, explained to the women the significance of the day. She said opportunities abound for widows to benefit and empower themselves. She encouraged them to write projects and submit to her service to source and provide funding for the projects.

                The president of the Widows Association, Mrs. Akenji while thanking the donors urged them to rather teach them how to catch fish instead of providing them with fish. She said though they have several projects that can generate income, they need financial support to start-up.

                RonaldineTaku from The Center for Assistance to Justice and Animation for Development-CAJAD Limbe, talked to widows on “ending child marriages". She said by virtue of the UN Convention on the Right of the child, any marriage contracted below 18 is considered child marriage and a violation of the human rights the girl child.

                The event was spiced with sketches.