Widows & Women

We are constantly reminded to “…care for orphans and widows in their time of distress…” -James 1:27. Due to disease and the widespread HIV/Aids epidemic in Africa, there is an increasingly high rate of widowed women. Often, these women are left alone to bear the burden of burial costs, debts which may have been incurred, and the financial responsibilities of raising children. It is estimated that in some countries, up to 70% of children are dependent on widowed mothers.

What’s more, in many African countries, a woman’s social status is directly associated with the social status of her husband. Many of these women are therefore abandoned by those men who were once there to support and uphold the family. The state of widowhood brings along much isolation, poverty, and inaccessibility to services and resources. Some widows with children are left without care, and some have resorted to giving their children over to prostitution or child trafficking to generate funds to take care of their families.

The issue of empowering women has become topical on an international level. Taking into consideration the reported challenges encountered by women, especially in rural areas, such as poverty, low literacy levels and unemployment, government and local initiatives are seeking ways to empower women so that they can become their own agents of positive change. Previous research has indicated that art and craft-making, as a leisure activity, yields numerous benefits for participants, including improved wellbeing, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and economic gains.

The Blessing Foundation assists with the start up costs of small businesses that can generate funds to help widows take care of themselves and their children. In the past years, we have launched two programs under a project called “The Blessed Women” Program during which 60 widows were funded in Uganda to start making a living. Their products are presently marketed in churches and marketplaces in Africa and periodically in the United States. It is in our plan to launch at least one project for “The Blessed Women” each year. Also, annually, and especially during festive times when the impact of losing a loved one is felt most, The Blessing Foundation carefully selects some widows in Africa and assists them by providing financial assistance and certain essentials such as food to help them in their time of need. Additionally, we share God’s message of love and comfort with them to assist in their emotional recovery and to help them rediscover joy in their time of sorrow and loneliness.

The Blessing Foundation through “The Blessed Women” program empowers women in four ways. First, it serves as a means for economic empowerment. Second, it enhances a sense of community building. Third, it establishes networks of support. Last, but not the least, it is serves as a form of therapy.