By Vimbai Malinganiza
IN Zimbabwe’s journey towards economic transformation and societal progress lies a profound and impactful initiative, the Widows’ Association. And, who among us can forget the movie ‘Neria’, featuring Jesesi Mungoshi as the powerless widow who is renderred literally destitute following her husband’s departure from his earthly abode?
In general, widows find themselves in precarious financial situations after losing their husbands, especially in cases where they were not the primary breadwinners. This is precisely the message the producers of ‘Neria’ with a soundtrack by superstar Oliver Mtukudzi.
The brainchild of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The Widows’ Association represents an empowering step in the drive to ensure no-one is left behind as the country aims to become an upper-middle income economy by 2030. Through this initiative, Dr Mnangagwa has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups, particularly widows, who have historically faced significant socio-economic challenges.
Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, an economic blueprint that aims to make the country a prosperous, middle- income economy, emphasises inclusivity, equal opportunity and sustainable growth.
However, beyond the broad economic goals, the nation’s future depends on empowering every individual, regardless of background, gender or personal circumstances.
The Widows’ Association, as envisioned by the First Lady, stands testament to the country’s commitment to ensuring that widows are not left behind but instead are given the tools and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The idea of creating an organisation focused on supporting widows in Zimbabwe was born out of Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Angel of Foundation after a deep understanding of the plight of widows in Zimbabwe. In a country where traditional values and patriarchal structures have often limited the agency of women, widows have been especially vulnerable.
After losing a spouse (who may be the sole breadwinner in the family), many women face an array of challenges, ranging from emotional grief to financial instability, social exclusion and the loss of their legal right
For a widow, the death of a husband can result in the collapse of her social and economic standing.
Dr Mnangagwa recognised the need for an initiative that would not only offer emotional support but also empower widows economically and socially.
She understands that for widows to have a quality life, they need to have access to the same opportunities as other citizens. This led to the creation of the Widows’ Association, an organisation designed to provide financial literacy, skills training as well as a platform for widows to connect, share experiences and support each other.
The Widows’ Association’s mission is to promote financial independence, offer opportunities for skills training, and help widows take control of their lives and destinies.
One of its key planks is fostering financial independence among widows.
Without access to stable income or economic opportunities, many widows are forced to live in poverty, and in some cases, face discrimination from their communities or families.
The association’s initiatives include offering training in various fields, such as agriculture, crafts, entrepreneurship and small business management.
By providing widows with skills that are in demand in the marketplace, the association helps them generate income, support their families and achieve financial stability.
For many widows, the opportunity to learn new skills has been life-changing.
The story of Natsai Munetsi, a widow from Zvimba, who joined one of the association’s training programmes in sustainable farming is an apt example.
After completing the course, she was able to apply what she had learned and transform a small plot of land into a thriving vegetable garden.
This not only provided her with a steady source of income but also allowed her to contribute to the local economy, providing fresh produce to her community.
She became an inspiration to other widows in her area, demonstrating that financial independence is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Other training programmes offered by the Widows’ Association include tailoring, small-scale food production and financial literacy.
Each of these initiatives helps widows create opportunities for themselves and build their own businesses, making them active participants in Zimbabwe’s growing economy.
Widows often face social isolation, with some communities stigmatising them or treating them as burdens. In some cases, they even face legal challenges when trying to claim their inheritance or property rights.
The Widows’ Association has created a safe and supportive space for widows to come together, share their stories, and offer mutual support.
This sense of solidarity has been crucial in helping widows rebuild their lives. The association organises regular meetings, where widows can meet, discuss their challenges and share solutions. These gatherings also provide an opportunity for emotional healing, as widows find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their struggles.
Moreover, the association advocates for the legal rights of widows, working closely with legal professionals to ensure widows can access justice when necessary.
This includes assisting widows in claiming inheritance, protecting their property rights, and helping them navigate the legal processes that can sometimes be overwhelming or discriminatory.
Diana Sauti said: ’’After the death of my husband, I lost all the inheritance to my husband’s family and was left with nothing for me and the children. Many thanks to the Widows’ Association that helped me through the legal route to get back what rightfully belonged to me and the children.”
By providing both emotional and legal support, the Widows’ Association is helping to create a stronger, more resilient community of women who can support each other through the challenges they face.
This solidarity is essential for the long-term success of the association, as it strengthens the bonds between widows and empowers them to stand up for their rights and futures.
The impact of the association is evident in the growing number of widows who have been able to break free from the cycle of poverty and marginalisation.
Through the association’s various programmes, many women have not only improved their economic standing but have also gained a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
By prioritising financial independence, skills training, emotional support, and legal advocacy, the Widows’ Association is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe.
