As part of activities yo mark its 20th anniversary the Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, has scheduled a series of empowerment programmes to begin on June 23, 2023 at the International Conference, Abuja.
Blueprint reports that the anniversary programmes would concide with the International Widows Day which is set aside by the United Nations (UN) to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanise the unique support that they need.
A pre-event statement by the Founder, Helpline Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, weekend in Abuja, said some of the activities to mark the anniversary include the empowerment of 200 widows, even as 20 widows would be recognised for overcoming all odds and breaking down barriers to lead a respectful life.
She disclosed that others are the publication of a book titled: Rise from the Ashes: A Compelling Tale of Women Journeying Through Widowhood, as well as the Premier of a documentary: Ajadu: The Story Of The Widows, which is an exposé on the harrowing experiences widows go through.
She said the documentary was meant to erase wrong perceptions many hold about widows so they could be treated better.
Dr Ahmadu disclosed that the Climax of the 20th anniversary celebration was slated for December with a series of activities for the empowerment of the vulnerable and special recognition of all those who have kept faith with the Foundation over the years.
Founded as a charity organisation in 2003 with the mission to advocate for and carry out upliftment of women and children, The Helline Foundation has been in the forefront, catering for vulnerable women, especially widows who are stereotyped and marginalised.
Thousands of widows have benefited directly from the Foundation’s interventions through trainings, skill acquisition and financial empowerment, just aa the Foundation was currently working on empowering widows through aggressive partnerships to enable donors and partner organizations adopt some communities and fund the scheme.
The statement noted that: “Every year, we bring together widows and needy, especially during Christmas and Sallah, where they sing, dance and are given foodstuffs and money. These gatherings help them socialise and provide relief for many of them.”
