Widows Empowerment Workshop: Building Hope, Health, and Livelihoods

On 27th August, the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation (JNJF) hosted a powerful Widows Empowerment Workshop, uniting women from eight sponsored communities across Sierra Leone. The event was more than just a gathering it was a movement of resilience, knowledge, and hope designed to equip widows with tools for health, financial independence, and sustainable livelihoods.

A Vision of Strength and Dignity

The Foundation opened with a clear message: widows are not invisible. Instead, they are vital change-makers, capable of shaping stronger families and communities. The workshop created a safe space for widows to reclaim dignity, discover new opportunities, and find renewed strength in the face of loss.

Health First: Caring for the Caregivers

Health was at the heart of the discussions. (Lt Col RTD) Nellie Marion Forde delivered an eye-opening talk on malaria, hypertension, diabetes, hygiene, and sanitation urging widows to prioritize their health with regular check-ups and healthy habits.

“Caring for your body is not selfish,” she emphasized, “it’s essential for sustaining your families and your communities.”

Securing Rights and Futures

Practical guidance came from Prince Amadu, Head of Public Affairs at NASSIT, who educated widows on claiming benefits, securing documentation, and safeguarding their children’s futures. His message was simple but powerful: knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting your household.

Pathways to Financial Empowerment

The workshop also equipped widows with financial strategies:

- Madam Josephine from Union Trust Bank encouraged saving and using banking tools to grow small businesses.

- Mariata Kanu, Operations Manager at Social Income, guided participants on managing social income funds responsibly and reinvesting for sustainable livelihoods.

- Mr. Ansumana Kallon, a VSLA expert, explained how Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) foster collective discipline, financial independence, and long-term empowerment.

Voices of Support from Near and Far

From the UK, Canon Dr. P. J. Pelham-Hazeley joined online, reminding widows that they are not burdens but pillars of resilience in society. Locally, Mr. Peter Menjor of the Sustainable Communities Network (SCN) applauded JNJF’s efforts, urging widows to embrace opportunities for growth and self-development.

Breaking Stigma, Building Futures

Throughout the day, widows spoke candidly about the stigma and neglect they face in Sierra Leone. Together, they reflected on how empowerment programs like VSLA can dismantle barriers, restore dignity, and pave the way for stronger communities.

A Day of Transformation

By the close of the workshop, participants expressed joy and gratitude many calling the sessions life-changing. They pledged to return to their communities not only with renewed hope but as ambassadors of empowerment, ready to inspire others.

JNJF’s Ongoing Mission

The workshop reaffirmed JNJF’s mission: to uplift widows and their children through education, empowerment, and economic opportunity. With the support of partners such as NASSIT, Union Trust Bank, Social Income, SCN, and other dedicated voices, the Foundation is turning grief into growth and invisibility into influence.

“Together, we are proving that widows are not invisible. They are resilient leaders, capable of shaping stronger families and stronger communities.”