ROSF Decries Violence against Persons
Every 23rd of June, widows across the world are put on the frontburner to address the many injustices they suffer from. This year’s celebration was not different. In anticipation of this, Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF) organised a press briefing at their office for widows and other stakeholders.
Unlike typical African widows who wear their pains and losses like top garments, widows under the umbrella of RoSF were cheerful, radiant and beautiful in their customised Ankara fabrics as they gathered to celebrate themselves. They were not just happy; they radiated inner joy. Testimonies were shared, songs were sung and a general camaraderie of sisters engulfed the air. Also present were members of the board of trustees of the foundation.
Philanthropist and founder of ROSF, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, while delivering her speech recalled 2014 International Widows’ Day, the foundation’s achievements so far and poor efficacy of the 2015 Violence against Persons Act.
“‘Last year, we had a stakeholders forum, where some practical actionable recommendations to end the discrimination and violent practices against widows were proffered, which we believe must have helped to facilitate the passage of the new bill into law by both the House of Representatives and House of Assembly on May 23, 2015. And we are grateful for this as this will reduce in no small manner the plights of widows in the society.”
According to her, most widows get battered, beaten and even outlawed simply because they are widows; a status inevitable to all women whose husbands die before them. Her concerns are on what plans are for the enforcement of this bill. “Yes, the bill has been passed but we are yet to see the effect,” Alakija lamented.
Calling on all to join hands to put an end to the plights of widows, by spreading the news about the new bill through every channel available, she said, “International Widows’ day event falls within RoSF Advocacy Programme (RAP), through which we will keep pushing, together with our partners, to ensure that the government of every nation builds a just society for widows all over the world to survive. We in RoSF are here today not to sympathise or emphasise widows but to celebrate, recognise and support them; we are gathered to find a way in giving our widows better life.”
Alakija spoke on achievements such as periodic health checks for early detection of some terminal diseases; annual welfare home visits; 99 university graduates of orphans and children of beneficiaries till date; enterprise training development programme, and a partnership with Bonhams in London, UK to host a VIP reception with the annual Nigerian Art Auction.
Plans to commemorate this year’s event include medical enlightenment campaign with free medical consultation and checks for widows and their children. Ten medical doctors and health practitioners as volunteers will be available.