- Recognition of Widows’ Challenges and Resilience: The event served as a platform for widows to share personal experiences, highlighting issues such as cultural pressures, financial struggles, social isolation, and economic vulnerability, while celebrating their resilience.
- Commemoration of International Widows Day in KwaZulu-Natal: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), in partnership with the Department of Social Development and others, observed International Widows Day in eDumbe Local Municipality as part of Women’s Month activities.
- Emphasis on Supporting Widows through Programs: Representatives from SASSA and DSD stressed the importance of strengthening initiatives that empower widows, addressing their silent challenges, and fostering their development and independence.
- Messages of Courage and Solidarity: Speakers like Ms. Philisiwe Maphiri and Dr. Bongi Owusu conveyed heartfelt reminders that widowhood involves unspoken pain but also remarkable courage and community support.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) joined the Department of Social Development (DSD) and partners in commemorating International Widows Day in eDumbe Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
The event, held during Women’s Month, echoed the United Nations Resolution 65/189 which calls for recognition and support of widows worldwide. It created a platform for widows to share their personal stories from cultural pressures to financial struggles — while also celebrating their resilience and determination to build better futures.
Speaking at the gathering, representatives from both SASSA and DSD emphasized the need to address the silent challenges widows face, including social isolation and economic vulnerability. They also stressed the importance of strengthening programmes that empower widows to thrive.
Ms. Philisiwe Maphiri from SASSA and Dr. Bongi Owusu from DSD shared heartfelt messages, reminding the audience that widowhood is often accompanied by unspoken pain but also remarkable courage and solidarity.
The commemoration underscored a collective commitment: to ensure widows are not only heard but also supported in their journey towards empowerment and independence.
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