The National Chocalate Day was remarkably honoured on Saturday 14th February 2009 at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre with the 2nd Widows Alliance Conference. This event organized by the Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF) was a gathering of over 2,500 widows nationwide under one roof for their common good. These widows were given free medical examination and consultation, gifts and there were plenty to eat and drink as well.
In her speech, Akumaa Mama Zimbi, Executive Director of Mama Zimbi Foundation, stated that the Widows Alliance Conference (WAC) brings together all widows in Ghana under one roof to foster strength and a sense of purpose and also encourage widows to learn to grow in self confidence, to develop new skills as well as new friendships.
She also stated that the Conference is also an appropriate forum to advocate against injustices faced by widows in certain cultures on the national level. This advocacy is done by raising awareness about widows' plight in order to increase its profile and obtain commitments from governments, policy makers and donors for its needed attention. The common concern or resolution that are reached at the end of every Conference will be communicated to the appropriate donor or authority such as CHRAJ, DOVVSU, Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, and even to Parliament.
‘We are determine to make the lonely voice of the needy widow heard in highly places, so we are encouraging all individuals and corporate institutions who have the plight of widows at heart to support our quest for justice and self-reliance. All women are to support this course of action because we all have the potential of becoming widows which is not by choice, neither is it a curse but ordained by God.' Akumaa added.
The day was interestingly used to officially launch the Widows Alliance Network (WANE). The Widows Alliance Network (WANE) is one of the projects undertaken by the Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF) to motivate, empower and support widows and their needy children. WANE works together with all organizations that seek to promote the total wellbeing of widows to learn to grow in self confidence, to develop new skills as well as new friendships to develop their families and their communities. WANE is also compiling a comprehensive national database of widows.
Also, leaders of the various organizations under the network were assigned as Co-ordinators to oversee the on-going Widows Training Workshops (WTW) in their Churches and communities. In the Widows Training Workshops (WTC), widows in selected communities and organizations are introduced to courses such as beads making, shear butter oil making, sewing, office management, literacy programs, human rights and social hygiene. They receive orders to work on, which is a good source of not only income, but also incentive and encouragement. The objective is to help Ghanaian widows establish their life and become self-sufficient and also support their families.
Speakers included, Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ansah of Adom fm, Madam Grace Nortey, a renown actress and a widow, Inspector Victoria Quaye and Irene Opong, both from DOVVSU, Dr. Owusu Ansah, a medical practitioner and a representative from CHRAJ.
Supporters of this event included the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre, Larry Fenn Bakery and Catering Services, Print Bureau, Coca Cola, Golden Tree Chocolate, T.T Brothers, Care and Cure Homeopathic Clinic, Negha Fashions, Danny's Decorations, FM Beauty and Wellness Center, Helen Kay Boutique, Champion Divine Clinic, Doscar Travels and Tours, Nyarko Herbal Clinic, Adom fm, Asempa Fm, First Choice Digital Photo, Everpure Purified Water, and other individuals who contributed to make this Conference a success.
written by nana owusu appiah-kubi rossmann, aka kingmazola, March 18, 2009
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written by komla klutse, March 18, 2009
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written by marian eshun -good job done, May 22, 2009
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written by raymond addo akuffo, January 27, 2010
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You deserve all these titles from me . firstly, i must congratulate u for the great work u doing. Secondly, a big honor goes to ur husband for his love and encouragement and thirdly it goes to Adom fm.
Unfortunately enough, people ve died as a result of lack of knowlege, some are injured for life, others in prison and the surviving ones are practising it under age, but to GOD be the glory u ve come at the right time to rescue the dieing young and old ghanaians,africans and the world as a whole teaching and helping us on matters very critical in our world of today.
I applaud you a lot for the great work u ve took to yourself without letting the size of the challenges in it to weigh u down. u are a brave woman, a model and a becon. This is because a beautiful woman like u, who shouldnt waste his precious time struggling for money but rather hopp from one man to the other, u akumaa did not do that. u allowed God to use u into changing peoples life around the globe with such unique talent and gift in you.
Akumaa, u are such a wonderful woman the world must recognize and honour. once again, GOD bless u, GOD bless ur mission on earth and GOD bless GHANA, and make our nation great and strong.
THANK U,
nana owusu, usa