The Director of Women’s Empowerment and the Family Centre Bangem, Kupe Muanenguba Division, South West Region, Senge Agnes Mwene has donated gifts to Mbororo widows of Muanenguba.
Senge Agnes also launched a competition of “Plaiting and Milk Production from Cows” amongst the widows for income generation.
Winners received encouraging prizes from the Women Empowerment Director and her entourage.
The ceremony which took place at the Chief’s palace, Muanengu, on June 23, 2025, was in commemoration of the International Widows’ Day under the theme, “Amplifying Widows’ Voices for Peace and Development: A Responsibility for Families and Communities.”
The items donated include rice, tablets of soap, maggi cube, sugar, biscuits, snacks, soft drinks, loin clothes, cash prizes, amongst others.
Addressing the population at the event, Senge said she decided to touch the lives of Mbororo widows considering that they are minorities and struggle to cope with life after losing their husbands.
She said by donating to the widows was her own way of encouraging widows to contribute in peace building, and sustainable development.
The Director also disclosed that the plaiting and milk production competition was to stir up the notion of income generating activities amongst the widows for sustainable livelihoods.
“Being a widow is not the end of life. It is just a stage, and you must feel free and enjoy life to its fullest.” She advised.
Senge cautioned the women to encourage their girl child to be well educated, participate in political and social activities, to make their voices heard whenever and wherever necessary.
She thanked all those who supported the project in cash and kind, praying God’s blessings on them.
Educative Talks
Nzouh Judith Mbolle a representative of the widow, educated that a widow has the right to inherit the husband’s property.
She encouraged that as widows they should do something to generate income for the family. “A widow has to be submissive, calm, and respectful.” Mbolle added.
Meanwhile the Chief of Center for Social Affairs, Bangem, Ngwesse Patience talked on discrimination of widows in the society and what they can do to overcome it.
In his words of appreciation, the 1st Deputy Mayor of Bangem Council, Enongenepie Manga thanked the Director for gifting Mbororo widows who are mostly the minority in the society.
He cautioned the beneficiaries to be hardworking and overcome the trauma of living without a husband by their sides.
The leader of Mbororo widows in Muanenguba, Ma Mary, said her role is to control and check if any widow has a problem, and they collectively see how to solve it.
She thanked Director Senge for thinking about them on a special day that the world is celebrating widows. She said the gifts will help them reduce cost of living.
Also, Chief Sulemanu Dewa of Muanenguba, in his remarks lauded the Director for her outreach program. He said the gifts will not only wipe the tears of widows but help in advancing their homes.
By Noela Teneng
