Widows Walking Together Society of Botswana

28/06/2026

Yesterday, the International Widows Day Commemoration at Mahalapye Main Kgotla was a resounding success!

Despite the many challenges we encountered during the planning stages, particularly the shortage of funds, we remained committed to ensuring that the day was meaningful and memorable. Through determination, teamwork, and the unwavering support of many kind-hearted people, we were able to host a successful event that honoured and celebrated widows under the theme:

"Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows: The African Perspective."

On behalf of the Widows Walking Together Society of Botswana, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, supported, volunteered, and stood with us. Your presence and encouragement made the day truly special.

A special thank you goes to all those who generously honoured our call for pledges. Whether you contributed food items, cash, or other necessities, your kindness made a real difference. Your generosity helped us overcome our challenges and ensured the event's success. We are deeply grateful for your compassion and willingness to support our cause.

To our guest speakers, performers, partners, sponsors, and every individual who contributed in one way or another—thank you for believing in our mission and helping us make this commemoration a success.

Together, we continue to give hope, restore dignity, and empower widows across Botswana.

Re a leboga! Thank you for walking this journey
Congratulations to the Widows Walking Together Society of Botswana on a successful International Widows Day Commemoration. May this be the beginning of even greater impact in the years ahead.

27/06/2026

Today, the Widows Walking Together Society of Botswana proudly commemorated International Widows Day 2026 at Mahalapye Main Kgotla under the theme:

"Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows: The African Perspective."

The event brought together widows, community members, government representatives, and partners to raise awareness of the rights and welfare of widows and to advocate for their empowerment.

We were honoured by inspiring presentations from our distinguished speakers, including the Keynote Speaker, Mrs Mai Ngwenya of Circle ofComfort, a widow association out of Zimbabwe, and our Guest Speaker, Mrs. EstherKanaimba-Senai, whose powerful messages emphasised justice, dignity, inclusion, and economic empowerment for widows. We also appreciate the valuable contributions made by representatives from Legal Aid Botswana and other stakeholders.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making this commemoration a success. Together, we continue to stand for a society where every widow lives with dignity, equality, and opportunity.

24/06/2026

Throwback to a year ago:

Official motivates widows to seek therapy
Official motivates widows to seek therapy

01 Jul 2025

Renowned motivational speaker, Dr Kgomotso Jongman says emotional counselling is some form of therapy vital in helping individuals adjust and manage their emotions when faced with challenging circumstances.

Conducting a counselling session during the International Day for Widows in Molepolole recently, Dr Jongman said the day was set aside to offer therapy to widows.

Organised by Widows Walking Together Society of Botswana, the International Day of Widows was commemorated under the theme: Orphans in Need.

Dr Jongman said human beings were exposed and raised under different backgrounds, hence react differently when faced with challenges.

Equally, he said individual widows would grieve the loss of their partners differently and therefore the healing process would differ as well.

“Do not allow someone to tell you that it was time to move on, get other companion who will help you discharge your sorrow,” said Dr Jongman.

He said a counsellor’s role was to help the grieved to fade rage and gather appeasement. However, he said the process of healing was solely dependent on an individual’s reaction.

He said during the journey of grief there was an array emotional ebbs and flows and in some cases making the grieved to develop a state of denial, failing to admit that his or her partner was gone forever.

Dr Jongman said the scenario was one’s emotions recalling the good memories with the one whom they were used to living with.

After suffering such a loss, Dr Jongman said it was acceptable for one to sometime feel depressed.

He said a short time depression deserve an approval adding that an intolerable kind of depression was the one that took more than a fortnight, calling for abrupt attention by a psychosomatic expert.

Dr Jongman said admitting that someone was no more did not mirror that one no longer loved or had forgotten the deceased but it meant that one had to start to new leave of live hence accommodating the loss.

Widows were also warned that suppression of emotions intrigued villainy.

Dr Jongman said holding grudges would not be of any good as they were cases where a widow would be suspected for having a hand in the death of the spouse.

However, Dr Jongman has applauded widows for opening up and healing the scar of sorrow.

He said loss of a loved one was not the end of the world but a beginning of another chapter of the story of life.

Dr Jongman encouraged them to do away with holding grudges against people who scrambled for their property, claiming to inherit it after the passing on of their spouses.

He said they must find it in their hearts to forgive them and move along with life.

Dr Jongman encouraged widows that whenever they felt that what they going through was weighing on them, they must never hesitate to approach a psychologist.

He said emotional counselling assist in changing one’s perceptions and cope with challenging circumstances. ENDS

Source : BOPA

Author : Keetile Bontsibokae

Location : Molepolole

Event : International Day of widows

Date : 01 Jul 2025

17/06/2026

At the beginning our driving quote is "If real development is to take place, the people must be involved."

The real people in widowhood is the "widows".

For too long, widows have been spoken about, rarely included and when included, poorly done.

In the conversations and decisions that affect their lives, widows with a voice are really seated 💺

At the International Widows Day Conference 2026, AWGADI is changing that.

Seated with governments and other stakeholders at the table are;

🔹 23 African Countries Widow Leaders convening; with the "3 Ts"
• Talent
• Treasure
• Time

🔹 4 Widow Panellists representing Africa's four regions

🔹 Real voices. Real experiences. Real solutions.

Together, we will explore four critical dimensions of sustainable widow empowerment:

✅ Inclusive Leadership & Representation

✅ Economic Access & Financial Inclusion

✅ Social Security & Wellbeing

✅ Policy Protection & Access to Justice

The discussion in address practical solutions relating to:

• Legal Rights & Protection

• Economic Empowerment

• Health & Insurance

• Education & Skills Development

• Housing & Social Protection

Will showcase AWGADI's practical solutions based on knowledge and lived experiences

Because sustainable development cannot happen without inclusion.

Because effective policies require lived experience.

Because our unveiled motto
"Nothing About Widows Without Widows" is the sure human rights of African Widows.

Together We Rise.

Virtual Registration:

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L9oQLqf8Ruid9Da0l6CJ9A

Reach out on email [email protected] to either represent or ensure your country's widow is a part of the movement.


゚

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

Nothing About Widows Without Widows.

She sat quietly in the corner, her eyes fixed on the floor. When I asked if she wanted to speak, she whispered, "Who would listen to someone like me?"

A widow.

A woman who had lost not only her husband but also her confidence, her support system, and, in many ways, her place in society.

As tears rolled down her face, she shared her story. The room fell silent. Then something beautiful happened. Other widows began sharing too. Pain turned into strength. Silence turned into courage.

That day reminded me that widows do not need others to tell their stories for them. They need opportunities to tell their own stories.

This is why AWGADI stands by the motto: "Nothing About Widows Without Widows."

Every widow carries a story, a struggle, and a wisdom that deserves to be heard. Real change begins when widows move from being spoken about to being listened to.

If you believe widows deserve a seat at every table where decisions about their lives are made, leave a in the comments.

My name is Bunmmy Olu

Join us at the upcoming International Widows Day Conference London.

15/06/2026

This morning, Widows Walking Together Society of Botswana had the honour of presenting our organisation's mission, vision and programmes to the Mahalapye District Council.

We are deeply encouraged by the warm reception and overwhelming support we received from the councillors, who acknowledged that our society has come at the right time to address the needs and aspirations of widows in our communities.

The councillors pledged their full support to our work beyond the International Widows Day (IWD) Commemoration to be held on 27 June 2026 in Mahalapye, reaffirming their commitment to partnering with us in promoting justice, dignity and economic empowerment for widows.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Mahalapye District Council for welcoming us and for recognising the importance of standing with widows. Together, we can create a future where widows are empowered, supported and given every opportunity to thrive.

"The journey of empowering widows is not one we walk alone. Today, we found partners who are ready to walk with us."

14/06/2026

The Loomba Foundation in Association with AWGADI – The Union of African Widows
Join us for the International Widows Day Conference 2026 themed:
"Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives."

Convened at the River Room, House of Lords, London, this high-level international gathering will bring together African and global stakeholders to advance practical solutions for widows' rights, leadership, social protection, and economic empowerment.

Together We Rise: Advancing Justice, Leadership and Socio-Economic Empowerment for Widows.

Date: 23 June 2026

Time: 12-2pm London Time

Virtual Registration:

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L9oQLqf8Ruid9Da0l6CJ9A

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

13/06/2026

As we advance the African Widows Agenda, I often reflect on an experience that shaped my understanding of true empowerment.

By my side is Tabia, a remarkable young widow in Zanzibar. My experience with her reflects the untapped potential of thousands of widows across Africa.

Our limitations are often not a lack of ability, but a lack of opportunity.

While preparing for the first African Widows Summit in 2024, as envisioned, we wanted a platform where widows would lead conversations about widowhood in Africa.

In 2023, we invited women, men, institutions, and organizations across the continent to join us in building this historic movement.

As planning progressed, a familiar challenge emerged. Widows were increasingly viewed as beneficiaries rather than leaders. During leadership discussions, I proposed that Tabia, a widow who had been part of the journey from the beginning, take on a leadership role of country host. The suggestion was rejected because as one of then said, her English proficiency was considered inadequate.

I disagreed.

My position was simple: leadership is not defined by language fluency, afterall, English is not her Lingua franca .

Her lived experience, commitment, and authenticity is all we needed. If widows are to be empowered, they must be trusted with responsibility.

Despite resistance, I remained committed to that principle.

What followed was transformational.

I watched her grow in confidence, strengthen her communication skills, and embrace leadership responsibilities many assumed she could not handle.

Together, we overcame great obstacles and succeeded.

The African Widows Summit 2024 became the first gathering of its kind, bringing together representatives from more than thirteen African countries and receiving support from senior African leaders, including His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi and representatives of the African Union.

Its success affirmed a truth long expressed by Julius Nyerere: "If real development is to take place, the people must be involved."

That experience enboldened my foundation for AWGADI – the Union of African Widows, and inspired our guiding principle:

"Nothing About Widows Without Widows."

This is not just our motto. It is a model for dignity-based advocacy. One that places widows at the center of designing and implementing solutions to the challenges they face.

Our message is clear: every widow, regardless of education, language, social status, or economic condition, possesses dignity, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to societal change we are envisioning.

The future of Aftican's widow empowerment will not be built by speaking for widows. It will be built by creating opportunities for widows to speak, lead, decide, and shape their own futures.

That is dignity-based advocacy. And that is the Africa we are working to build, one widow at a time for the Africa We Want Agenda.

A key discussion at the International Widows Day Conference 2026 London




©️ Hope Nwakwesi

10/06/2026

Hope to See you in Mahalapye on June 27!!