Story by Luis Nhika
ZIMBABWE joined the rest of the world on Tuesday in commemorating International Widows Day, with the Circle of Comfort organisation highlighting the impact of its empowerment programmes that are transforming the lives of widows through emotional support, skills development and income-generating projects.
What began as a small WhatsApp support group during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has grown into a network of more than 3 000 members, with operations now extending to eight countries across Southern Africa and beyond.
The organisation officially launched its operations during commemorations of International Widows Day, bringing together widows, government officials, partners and community leaders to celebrate progress in empowering vulnerable women and strengthening social support systems.
Beneficiaries of the programme said the initiative has helped them regain confidence, build sustainable livelihoods and support one another through difficult circumstances.
“We are happy to be part of the programme because it encourages us to work hard, rely on ourselves and support each other,” one beneficiary said.
Another member expressed appreciation for the support being provided through the initiative, saying it has created opportunities for widows to become self-reliant and improve their lives.
Circle of Comfort founding member Ms Maureen Ngwenya said the organisation has evolved significantly since its inception.
“We started as a small group using the WhatsApp platform, but we are now a registered organisation. We are happy as widows to be sharing experiences, comforting each other through difficult times and empowering one another through projects that help us provide for our families,” she said.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, commended the organisation for creating opportunities that promote economic independence among widows.
“I am pleased with the work being done and with the commemoration of International Widows Day, which allows widows to reflect on their value and importance in society. The organisation is making a positive impact by empowering women through various projects rather than leaving them dependent on others, which can expose them to abuse,” she said.
The empowerment initiatives complement Government efforts to support vulnerable groups under the Second Republic’s development agenda of leaving no one and no place behind, while contributing to the broader goal of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
