FCT WOMEN AFFAIRS SECRETARIAT EMPOWERS WIDOWS, VULNERABLE WOMEN ON INTERNATIONAL DAY

By: Adeyemi Oluwakemi

The FCT Women Affairs Secretariat has empowered widows and vulnerable women with livelihood support equipment and cash gifts to strengthen their economic independence and improve their living conditions as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day for Widows and Vulnerable Women.

The event, held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Community Hall, Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, highlighted the importance of supporting widows and vulnerable women to overcome economic hardship, rebuild their lives and provide for their families.

As part of the intervention, the Secretariat distributed 20 sewing machines, 20 grinding machines, 20 hair dryers and 10 refrigerators, alongside cash gifts of ₦50,000 each to 20 beneficiaries, to support their businesses, encourage self-reliance and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Hajia Asmau Muktar, Esq., emphasised the need for sustained government intervention and community support to address the emotional, social and economic challenges confronting widows and vulnerable women.

She noted that the loss of a spouse often places considerable financial and emotional burdens on women, particularly those responsible for raising children and meeting household needs without adequate support.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that government interventions must translate into practical benefits for the intended beneficiaries, adding that empowerment initiatives remain essential to helping women regain financial stability, build confidence and contribute meaningfully to society.

She also underscored the importance of providing access to essential services, skills acquisition, employment opportunities and other programmes capable of improving the welfare of women and children facing difficult circumstances.

In her remarks, Sani Aina of the Women Development Department, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, families, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that widows and vulnerable women receive the necessary protection, encouragement and practical assistance.

Aina observed that widowhood often comes with significant emotional and financial difficulties, including the burden of raising children alone, property and inheritance disputes, and the struggle to meet basic household expenses.

She maintained that widows and vulnerable women deserve dignity, respect, protection and opportunities to lead productive lives, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.

According to her, sustained interventions in skills acquisition, economic empowerment, public awareness and access to support services are vital to helping women overcome hardship and achieve greater independence.

She further urged the Secretariat to intensify efforts to reach more vulnerable women across the FCT, particularly those in rural communities and those facing additional barriers due to poverty, disability, age and other challenging circumstances.

Aina encouraged the beneficiaries to remain hopeful and make productive use of the items received, noting that practical support and access to economic opportunities could make a meaningful difference in their lives and those of their families.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, describing the intervention as timely and capable of easing their financial burdens while strengthening their small businesses.

Gloria Ubuju, a beneficiary from Mabushi who received a hair dryer, said the equipment would help her serve her customers more efficiently and improve her income.

“I am very grateful for this hair dryer. I have been struggling to dry my customers’ hair, and this support will make my work easier. It will also help me serve my customers better and improve my business,” she said.

Similarly, Aisha Usman, who received a sewing machine, described the gesture as an opportunity to develop herself and support her family.

“I sincerely appreciate the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for this support. I will put the sewing machine to good use to develop my skills, improve my business and provide better support for my family,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Kudirat Yahaya, expressed gratitude for the grinding machine she received, saying it would help her strengthen her livelihood and meet her children’s educational needs.

“I thank God for this grinding machine, and I am grateful to the Secretariat for this assistance. It will help me improve my business and earn more money to pay my children’s school fees,” she said.

For Ochei Hope Chineye, who received a refrigerator, the intervention would improve her drinks selling business and help her serve her customers more effectively. “I really appreciate this refrigerator. I sell drinks, and having a refrigerator will help me keep them cool for my customers. This support will make my business easier and help me improve my income,” she said