Lilongwe widows urged to be self-reliant

Widows Hope Africa (WHA) has encouraged widows in Lilongwe to be self-reliant by engaging in various businesses.

WHA executive director Elizabeth Banda said this in Lilongwe yesterday during a business skills training for widows.

She said: “Widows Hope Africa believes that women are an important part of the solutions needed to truly overcome poverty.

“We encourage women, especially widows, to work hard and engage in various activities that will make them earn a living. Staying idle is not good as it may lead to prostitution.

“We have embarked on a mission to train the widows in business skills, manure making and savings. We want to promote a saving culture among the widows and provide them with small loans so that they can turn their talents into businesses.”

One of the widows who attended the training, Mercy Mlomba, said the training has enlightened her on a number of issues and that she will now approach business with confidence.

“I have been willing to do business, but due to lack of business skills, I failed to pursue that dream. The knowledge that WHA has imparted to me will change everything ,” she said.

Banda appealed to other organisations to partner with WHA to impart business skills to widows most of whom lack expertise to venture into businesses.

“WHA is looking forward to other NGOs [non-governmental organisations]  which promote the welfare of women and children to partner with us on various projects so that we can rescue widows from poverty. If we impart business knowledge to these widows, they will be able to support their children,” she said. n