Bounties Charity Initiative, a Muslim women focused Islamic nongovernmental organisation has emphasised the need for financial resilient for Widows, Divorcees and Single Mothers WDS in the society.
This according to the Charity organisation will assist in addressing some of the traumatic issues affecting these categories of Muslim women.
The issue of financial resilience was part of the resolutions made by speakers at the just concluded Bountiis WDS Forum 2021 where Dr. Adeola Kola-Mustapha, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, a widow of over a decade, gave tips on managing financial status as a WDS by identifying how to be financially resilient.
She hinted on prioritising expenses in order of importance is necessary for appropriate financial management.She, noted that, “When the man who is the head of the family is gone, the likely questions are: Are you moving out accommodation immediately? What about House Bills, School Fees, Health Bill’s? Try to eschew all expenses and list priorities such as shelter, food and education.”
Dr. Kola-Mustapha cautioned rich widow tobe careful of the kind of business investment they venture into in order to guide against losing money.She also advised WDS against rushing into another marriage or seeking favour to avoid being taken advantage of.
Dr. Kola-Mustapha said, “Because you’re vulnerable, women should be financially resilient, have good or multiple sources of income. Maintain your dignity and high self-esteem.”
Dr Khadija Idowu, Associate Professor, Life Coach, Lagos State University, gave some admonition on inevitability of death rendering women into widowhood. She also urged Muslim women to always have strong faith in Allah as their creator in whatever situation they find themselves.
Also, another speaker Pharmacist Idiat Anibilowo, a widow and retired GM of Nigerian National Health Insurance Scheme, stated that the best option for young widows, divorcees or single mothers is to remarry as a way of protecting their chastity. She reminded participants that “they need to continue to see Islam as a complete way of life through which Allah has guided our day-to-day activities including our sexuality as divorcees and widows.” She opined that women need to come together to support one another. She According to her, the kind of support Bountiis provides for women should be emulated by other organisations.
Widows, Divorcees and Single Mothers, WDS Forum is one of the Bountiis series of Women in Trauma programmes to provide support for these categories of Muslim women in the society. The event echoed the cry of WDS on various issues affecting them which the society is silent about. With WDS forum 2021, Bountiis assures of her continuous support to uplift Muslim women from traumatic situation by connecting them to networking and empowerment opportunities.
The WDS forum is a further demonstration of Bountiis commitment towards addressing issues pertinent to Muslim women. Part of Bountiis goals for WDS forum is to create a platform for interaction between experts, Muslim widows, divorcees and matured singles to come together, share ideas and knowledge on common interests.
Organizations like Muslim Women for Development and Sustainability(AMW4DS), Al-Muminaat (The believing Women Organization), Duty to Orphans and Widows Foundation (WIDOF), Muslim Mercy Aid and Relief Foundation (MMARIF), Siddiqah Foundation, Al-Hurriyah Foundation, and other organizations that have dedicated programs for widows and divorcees were also at the Bountiis WDS forum to admonish participants.
