1. Our Initiatives
  2. Initiatives for Women
  3. Solidarity with Widows

The international community has been celebrating International Widow’s Day (IWD) since the 23rd June 2011. The Institution of this day of celebration by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the 21st December 2010 results from the First Lady of Gabon, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, putting her case forward through the Gabonese diplomatic channels.

200 million widows have been accounted for across the world. In Africa, most of them are subjected to enslaving pressures which mean they remain under the influence of their in-laws. In Gabon, almost 47% of widows fall victim to abuse and spoliation. Only 21% of them access what should be theirs by right.

In 2010, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution proposed by Gabon, proclaiming the 23rd June “International Widow’s Day” in order to mobilise populations around the conditions of these women. This resolution is in fact the result of the lengthy struggle led by First Lady Sylvia Bongo Ondimba for the recognition of millions of people widowed across the world.

Each year, the Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation for the Family undertakes awareness actions targeted towards the population in order to promote information regarding new rules and legislation.  

  • To inform widows on their rights and legal and administrative processes;
  • To mobilise institutions and administrations which have a role to play in the resolution of administrative issues facing the surviving spouse;
  • To force a change in mentality and perception surrounding widowhood

2010

  • Inauguration of the Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation for the Family: The First Lady chooses women’s rights and in particular, the rights of widows as one of her priority areas and focus of commitment;
  • Social services aimed at widows and orphans become part of the National Aid and Support Services; 
  • United Nations Resolution 65/189 declares 23 June ‘International Widows’ Day’;

2011 

  • Inauguration of the Mbandja Centre;
  • Launch of the Widows’ Walk-in Support Centre and helpline.  508 widows welcomed in our centre;
  • Helpline 1455 launched, for free-of-charge and anonymous advice.  Over 3,220 calls received;
  • First International Widows’ Day celebration, entirely organised by the Foundation;
  • Opening of an exhibition dedicated to a stamp series published by the Gabonese postal services to celebrate widows.

2012 

  • A series of measures are adopted by Parliament and the Government with the aim of protecting the rights of the surviving spouse;
  • An awareness campaign goes on the road to draw attention to the surviving spouse’s situation, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs;
  • Over 800 widows were seen within the support structures and 148,660 calls received on Freephone 1455.

2013 

  • Specific actions undertaken on the theme of ‘Corporate Social Support for Widows’ by the Ministry for Families and Social Affairs;
  • Awareness campaign and 10,000 mauve ribbons handed out as a symbol of solidarity; TV et radio spots are aired; 
  • 10,968 calls received on Freephone 1455.

2014 

  • Awareness Campaign and hand-out of leaflets explaining the legal and administrative procedures for the surviving spouse to follow, thus enabling hundreds of women to learn about and understand the steps they need to take to see their rights upheld; 10,000 mauve ribbons handed out.

2015 

  • Along the theme of ‘Increased Protection for the Surviving Spouse’, FSBO initiated awareness and information days in the community, visiting local town halls and advising on legal and administrative matters; 3,000 leaflets and 4,900 ribbons were handed out;
  • Over a period of 3 days, the townships of Libreville, Owendo and Akanda became information relay spots for target groups. It was a question of the public at large familiarising itself with the numerous rules and regulations in place to protect the surviving spouse;
  • The campaign reached 2,786 individuals, and 30 separate localities were covered by volunteers.

2016 

  • Along the theme of “Protection of equal rights for the Surviving Spouse’s Inheritance”, the Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation led an awareness and information campaign in the community in general, as well as within specific target groups, in conjunction with public authorities in the townships of Akanda, Libreville and Owendo.

2018

  • The Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation organised a conference-debate in the auditorium of  the International Green Ribbon School on «The situation of widows in Gabon: assessment and prospects». During this conference, experts took part in exchanges and informed the audience about the main obstacles faced by widows, namely, the prevalence of customary law over judicial law and the non-application or the ignorance of laws by widows and families.

2019

  • Along the theme of “Protection of equal rights for the Surviving Spouse’s Inheritance”, the Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation led an awareness and information campaign in the townships of Libreville, Owendo and Akanda to inform and prevent on the spoliation of widows and exchange with civil services involved in the process.