BUJUMBURA, June 29th (ABP) – The synergy of widows grouped in the Association of Responsible Widows (AVR) and the Association of Widows and Orphans for the Defense of their Rights (AVOD) issued a statement on Saturday 22 June on the occasion of the International Widows’ Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday 23 June.
Adèle Ahishakiye, President of AVOD, said that the aim of the day is to draw everyone’s attention to the need to respect the rights of widows, without forgetting orphans. The theme chosen that year is: “Let’s respect the fundamental rights of widows by giving them back a smile,” said Mrs. Ahishakiye, who noted that most widows face many difficulties, including extreme poverty, lack of consideration, injustice, dead-end court cases, violence of all kinds and even murder.
“Widows are your mothers, your sisters. They gave you life, support them”, said the AVOD chairperson.
The synergy between AVOD and AVR called on the government to recognize and officially celebrate 23 June in our country, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. She also called for a specific national registration to protect the rights of widows.
Mrs. Ahishakiye also pointed out that AVOD and AVR urge the international community to support the Burundian government’s initiatives to empower women and widows, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 23 June as International Widows’ Day by adopting resolution 65/189 on 21 December 2010.