Dona-Maureen Foundation, a non-governmental organization in Anambra state has empowered no fewer than 400 widows from Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State and its environs.

CEOAFRICA gathered that the beneficiaries were empowered with free grants to enable them start up small scale businesses as well as bags of rice and condiments in the spirit of the yuletide.

Speaking during the presentation, founder of the NGO, Dr. Maureen Umemmuo-Umeakuewulu, said she was moved to assist the widows in view of their conditions.

She said, “I am a widow, and I know that most widows are in difficult conditions. There is this erroneous perception that once one is a widow, she is meant to beg for food.”

“So, I thought of gathering them together to talk to them, and empower them to help them become self-reliant; so that their widowhood don’t turn to poverty.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Justina Osuokwu, expressed gratitude to the foundation for remembering them, describing the gesture as rare.