The Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics, FONWIP has commenced the presentation of interest free revolving loan to women to build their capacities in business and supporting them to help boost up their economic lives towards sustainable solutions and giving them economic independence.

Making the presentation to three widows who are the first batch of recipients of the loan to mark the 2022 widow’s day celebration in Benin City, the President of FONWIP, Hon. Florence Gbinigie (JP) said widows face many issues that militate against their existence of which financial existence is a key determining factor.

According to the FONWIP President who was represented by Adodo Joy, this years theme, “Sustainable Solutions for Widows Financial Independence” is an attempt to showcase how the identity of a woman in a society is attached to her spouse after which at his demise the problems they face are ignored by family members, community and policy makers.

“Today’s event therefore, is to highlight ways in which widow’s can become financially independent and earn a living . One of every ten African women above the age of fourteen is widowed and six percent are divorced . 1.36 million of approximately 258 million widow’s globally are child widows according to United Nations women report.

“June 23rd is set aside every year to look into issues affecting widows around the world and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights. They experience grief, loss or trauma after the death of a spouse. They also face economic insecurity, discrimination, stigmatization and harmful traditional practices on the basis of their marital status.

“In many countries, widows do not have equal inheritance rights and they may be stripped off their land , evicted from their homes or even separated from their children. They can be denied access to inheritance, bank accounts and credit which can have significant financial impacts for them, their children and future generation,” she added.

She said it is estimated that one of every ten widows worldwide live in extreme poverty, adding that, “ we also have child widows, girls given to marriage before the age of eighteen years whose husband died, experience multiple rights violations and face lifelong impact from premature marriage and widow hood . At least 1.36 million of approximately 258 million widows globally are child widows, but the true number is not known likely due to under reporting.”

Hon. Florence Gbinigie further disclosed that FONWIP decided to start off this revolving interest free loan to support the businesses of these widows and after the evaluation processes by a committee set up to look into the applications for this loan, the names of three widows were submitted as qualified for this first batch.

She said after fulfilling all necessary protocols towards getting the loan, the sum of fifty thousand naira applied for by each of them was presented to Enoma Patience, Segun Helen and Odiame Juliet and the money shall be paid back weekly within the duration of six months after four weeks of grace and the next batch to the women will commence before the end of the year.

After the presentation of the money to the beneficiaries by Pastor Vincent Ogbebor, they commended the FONWIP President for making it possible for the widows to have a start up kit for their business.

According to Helen Segun who is seventy years old and a soap maker, with this money she would be able to buy her own products and she promised to ensure that she pays back within the stipulated period.

There was a lecture delivered by Mrs. Joy Igbinedion on how to build a successful business