In an inspiring effort to uplift widows across seven states, the Rotary Club District 9142 embarked on Widows Empowerment Initiative to transform the lives of those in need in the areas.

This impactful initiative seeks to empower widows, helping them to gain financial stability, build life skills, and increase their sense of self-worth.

In an empowerment program organized in Enugu, the visionary leader of the initiative, Rotarian Ijeoma Akuegbu-Sunday shared her inspiration to newsmen behind this endeavor “Looking at my mother, a widow, and other children outside, I decided widows can never lack as long as I’m living. That’s why I started this initiative, because I know how widows suffer.”

Dr. Mrs. Akuegbu Sunday’s personal experience and empathy for widows fueled her determination to help others in similar circumstances. Her efforts to empower widows demonstrate the power of using one’s own experiences to create positive change for others.

While speaking at the Enugu chapter of the Rotary Club District 9142 Widows Empowerment Initiative, Dr. Mrs. Akuegbu Sunday shared her personal story, revealing how her mother’s struggle as a widow inspired her to start the initiative.

“With support from the Rotary Club, these women are gaining the confidence and resources necessary to create a better future for themselves and their families. The initiative’s transformative impact highlights the power of community support and the critical role that organizations like Rotary Club play in creating positive change.”

In an interview, the Enugu Representative of Women in Rotary, Rotarian Trish Ezeh encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment.

Ezeh highlighted the importance of utilizing the resources provided judiciously, noting that the initiative’s impact extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries to their communities. “The resources we have provided are meant to empower not only these women, but also their communities. By putting their business plans into action, they can create a ripple effect that benefits many,” Ezeh explained.

She continued “All we have given them is from Rotarians and Friends, we have some friends we would acknowledge much later.

On the mode of selection of the beneficiaries, Rotarian Trish said “we told our club members to go into their communities to select the poorest of the poor because we are targeting those that really need help.
This is my first experience as the Enugu Representative, but Rotary’s legacy of service and philanthropy extends far beyond this moment.
We collected their data, we shall be following up on them to monitor how they are progressing and if need be we might still see what we can do for them.”

Ezeh also emphasized the long-standing commitment of Rotary Club to initiatives such as this, stating, “The empowerment of disadvantaged communities has always been a core pillar of Rotary.
She concluded by expressing her hope that the Widows Empowerment Initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of the women and their communities, as well as serve as an inspiration for future philanthropic endeavors.

Mrs Modesta Ogbodo, one of the beneficiaries, spoke on behalf of the group, expressing her deep gratitude for the generosity of Rotary Club,” she said.
“We are deeply humbled and thankful for this opportunity to receive assistance. This cash grant will be used wisely to support the growth and development of our businesses, which in turn will enable us to provide for our families and contribute to our communities,” Ogbodo said.
“This is not just a financial contribution, but a gesture of kindness and empathy that will have a profound and lasting impact on our live.”

“This act of kindness has given us hope and inspired us to work harder. It has shown us that there are still people who care about the struggles of widows and are willing to lend a helping hand.”
“We are determined to make the most of this opportunity and turn it into a stepping stone towards a brighter future. On behalf of all the beneficiaries, I want to thank Rotary Club and its members for this generous support.

She prayed for More grace upon Rotary Club International, District 9142.

Desirenews Correspondent reports that the beneficiaries who came from different communities were blessed with cash grants.