Statistics from the United Nations estimates that there are about 258 million widows worldwide with close to 1 in every 10 living in abject poverty. With an estimated 1.5 widows in Cameroon and the risk of having the figure further rise due to deaths caused by numerous road, the armed conflict in the two Anglophone regions and the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, MINPROFF has taken a committed to intensify support and protection of widows nationwide.
Minister Marie Therese Abena Ondoa made the promise during act ivies to mark the commemoration of the 11th edition of the International Widows Day. The event was commemorated under the theme “Invisible Women, Invisible Problems”.
“MINPROFF will continue its actions in favour of widows. This include raising their awareness on their rights, building their capacity to setup income generating activity, associations and network of associations, providing financial and material support to widows and orphans, legal assistance to widows, psychological support, sensitization of traditional, religious and community leaders on the important role they have to play in humanizing widowhood rights,” Abena Ondoa said.
She said the protection of widows in general will go a long way in order to put an end to violence suffered by widows and to improve their living conditions. “It is essential that an active synergy is put in place at the service of human dignity. This dignity requires that women, whatever their status are respected like human beings with fundamental rights that must be protected,” the minister added.
She stated that it is only with this active synergy that the widow will be able to develop their full potential which is indispensable for the construction of an emerging Cameroon by 2035. Widows who attended the weeklong commutative activities used the ceremony to highlight challenges and difficulties they go at their homes with the absence of their husbands.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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