Across the continent of Africa, many communities face intense struggles that stem from poverty, conflict, disease, and societal neglect. Among the most vulnerable are widowed mothers, disabled people, who are estimated to account for at least 10% of the general African population, and the hundreds of thousands of homeless children living on the streets. The need for compassion and charity in addressing these vulnerabilities cannot be exaggerated, with its immediate relief and long-term sustainable development.
The Plight of Widowed Mothers
In many African nations, widowed mothers bear the brunt of socioeconomic challenges and cultural stigmatization. The death of a spouse often result in a drastic decline in economic support for the widow and her children. For instance, a 2020 report by the United Nations highlighted that in sub-Saharan Africa, widows often experience denial of inheritance which eventually pushes them into poverty. Culturally, widows can be subjected to harmful practices and social exclusion, further diminishing their ability to secure employment and social assistance. At SM Matters of the Heart Foundation we take interest in playing crucial role in providing these women with the necessary tools to regain their economic independence through skill training, financial literacy programs, and small grants to start businesses
