Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala
A widow is a woman who has lost her husband; a widower is a man who has lost his wife.It is understood that when one partner remains alive, there may be children—the fruits of that marriage.
Religious texts have consistently emphasized caring for and valuing widows. In fact, every human being—whether husband or wife—is a potential widow or widower in this world, whether they like it or not.
The Bible says:
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
James 1:27
The Qur’an also declares:
“And those who die among you and leave wives behind should bequeath for their wives a year’s maintenance without forcing them out of their homes…”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:240.
The Swahili people of Mbagala say that an orphan or widow deserves care, because they have no one else to do so—they are alone in this world.
Clearly, Christianity, Islam, and Swahili traditions all emphasize the importance of caring for widows.
Because of this, today the Mwanakwetu wanted to know what the Mara Region is doing to improve the lives of widows. The Head of Community Development at the Mara Regional Commissioner’s Office, Ms. Neema Ibamba, said that women in the region have revived the Widows’ Association and are encouraged to join because it offers many opportunities.
“They can connect with fellow widows, access group and individual loans, and learn ways to overcome challenges, including inheritance issues.”
Speaking at the Regional Commissioner’s office, Mwanakwetu wondered about the situation in other regions of Tanzania.
Responding to a question about widowers and why they do not have their own association, Ms. Ibamba explained that widowers who join the widows’ group in Mara also receive some services, including counseling. She added that the existence of the widows’ association may inspire men to form their own groups.
Mwanakwetu asks you: what is the situation where you live? Is there an association for widows or widowers?
Also speaking during the discussion, Ms. Upendo Kiswaga, Coordinator of the Widows’ Association and a Community Development Officer in Mara Region, said that in Musoma Municipal Council the association has over 200 members, and more widowed women continue to register. She encouraged widows not to hesitate—now is the time to join.
After gathering these responses, Mwanakwetu decided to publish this article.
What is the message today?
June 23 each year is International Widows’ Day. Globally, about 258 million women are widows, caring for more than 584 million children. In total, widows and orphans number around 842 million and could soon reach 1 billion. This is a large population facing serious challenges, with many orphans enduring extremely difficult conditions. These statistics are alarming, showing that half of the world’s widows live in extreme poverty. In Tanzania, about 4.7% of the population are widows or widowers, and the number continues to grow daily. That is why the Mwanakwetu believes:
“Pure religion before God is to visit and help orphans and widows in their distress.”
As stated in James 1:27, widows and widowers do not live for just one day a year. Therefore, individuals, private institutions, governments, and international organizations must all fulfill their responsibility to support the widows, widowers, and orphans around them.
Mwanakwetu, Are you present?
This article is written in honor of Ms. Misambo Gambona, an administrative officer in the Mara Regional Secretariat.
Remember:
“Care for widows.”
Have a nice day.
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