ZANZIBAR, Tanzania — Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has made a powerful call for the empowerment of widows across Africa, emphasizing the importance of economic independence and a positive mindset.
Speaking at the first African Widows Summit held in Zanzibar from June 20 to June 22, Rigathi urged for a transformative approach to support widows in overcoming grief and achieving a dignified life.
The summit, themed “Women in Widowhood: Reforming the African Space,” brought together leaders and advocates to address the unique challenges faced by millions of widows on the continent.
Rigathi highlighted that while widows may lose their husbands, they retain their intelligence, skills, and capacity to work.
“A widow is not a beggar who needs sympathy but a person who needs empowerment and opportunities to continue with her life,” she stated.
She emphasized that true empowerment begins with a shift in mindset, moving away from sorrow and towards self-sufficiency and dignity.
Her speech underscored the necessity for economic empowerment initiatives tailored specifically for widows.
She advocated for the organization of widows into cooperatives, Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to fully harness their potential.
“I proposed that the African Union establish a fund to support widows,” she announced.
The African Widows Summit, organized by the Union of African Widows—a Pan-African movement dedicated to supporting widows—served as a platform for sharing solutions and strategies.
The Union of African Widows stands as a beacon of hope, working tirelessly to empower widows by equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to rebuild their lives.
Dorcas Rigathi’s advocacy highlights a crucial shift in the narrative surrounding widowhood in Africa.
By focusing on empowerment rather than sympathy, she aims to transform how society views and supports widows, ensuring they are given the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
The summit in Zanzibar marks a significant step towards reforming the support systems for widows across Africa.
With leaders like Rigathi at the forefront, the push for economic empowerment and organized support structures promises to bring about meaningful change, offering hope and a brighter future for millions of widows on the continent.
