Mrs Obiano
By Sunny A. David
Wife of the Governor of Anambra State and founder, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) an NGO, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano has decried the sustenance of discriminatory practices which deny widows basic rights in some communities.
Mrs Obiano called on those who promote such discriminatory and degrading acts to discard them and accord widows their rights as fulflege members of the community.
She made the plea in Awka on 23rd June 2020, in a special message signed by Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Emeka Ozumba, to commemorate the International Widows Day 2020.
Mrs. Obiano stated that situations where the rights of women are tied solely to their husband is discriminatory and should be abhorred and abolished.
In her words: “In this twenty first century, it is disheartening and unpardonable to hear that a woman stands accused on the death of her husband and is therefore subjected to life threatening and painful mourning practices and rites.
“Often, such widows are separated from their children and properties of the deceased husband appropriated by her accusers.
“Thankfully, our laws have recognized the rights of women to inheritance but such laws must be enforced to preserve the dignity of widows and the family unit,” the wife of the Governor stressed.
She urged community leaders where such practices hinder widows to ensure the discard of such retrogressive practices which single out hapless widows at their most vulnerable state for maltreatment in the name of tradition.
“Every widow deserves the right to work, access to healthcare and inheritance. No person or group should deny a widow her rights under false pretense,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Obiano whose NGO, CAFE is at the forefront of care and empowerment of indigent widows with free houses built for twenty-beneficiaries so far, as well as free training on various life sustaining skills.
The wife of the Governor commended the United Nations for dedicating a day of observance for widows which enhances awareness of the challenges they face in some parts of the world.
She also thanked the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano for ensuring that issues concerning women especially widows are given priority attention to ensure their welfare.
The goal of United Nations on the day is to develop resources and policy to empower widows with all rights restored. And enable them to create a life for themselves and their children and end a cycle of poverty and abuse.
