The National Chocolate Day was remarkably honoured on Saturday 14th February 2009 at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre with the 2nd Widows Alliance Conference. This event organized by the Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF) was a gathering of over 2,500 widows nationwide under one roof for their common good. These widows were given free medical examination and consultation as well as gifts, and there were plenty to eat and drink as well. In her speech, Akumaa Mama Zimbi, Executive Director of Mama Zimbi Foundation, stated that the Widows Alliance Conference (WAC) brings together all widows in Ghana under one roof to foster strength and a sense of purpose and also encourage widows to learn to grow in self confidence, to develop new skills as well as new friendships. She also stated that the Conference is also an appropriate forum to advocate against injustices faced by widows in certain cultures on the national level. This advocacy is done by raising awareness about widows’ plight in order to increase its profile and obtain commitments from governments, policy makers and donors for its needed attention. The common concern or resolution that are reached at the end of every Conference will be communicated to the appropriate donor or authority such as CHRAJ, DOVVSU, Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, and even to Parliament. We are determine to make the lonely voice of the needy widow heard in highly places, so we are encouraging all individuals and corporate institutions who have the plight of widows at heart to support our quest for justice and self-reliance. All women are to support this course of action because we all have the potential of becoming widows which is not by choice, neither is it a curse but ordained by God.’ Akumaa added. The day was interestingly used to officially launch the Widows Alliance Network (WANE). WANE is one of the projects undertaken by the Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF) to motivate, empower and support widows and their needy children. WANE works together with all organizations that seek to promote the total wellbeing of widows to learn to grow in self confidence, to develop new skills as well as new friendships to develop their families and their communities. WANE is also compiling a comprehensive national database of widows. Also, leaders of the various organizations under the network were assigned as Co-ordinators to oversee the on-going Widows Training Workshops (WTW) in their Churches and communities. In the Widows Training Workshops (WTC), widows in selected communities and organizations are introduced to courses such as beads making, shear butter oil making, sewing, office management, literacy programs, human rights and social hygiene. They receive orders to work on, which is a good source of not only income, but also incentive and encouragement. The objective is to help Ghanaian widows establish their life and become self-sufficient and also support their families. Speakers included, Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ansah of Adom fm, Madam Grace Nortey, a renown actress and a widow, Inspector Victoria Quaye and Irene Opong, both from DOVVSU, Dr. Owusu Ansah, a medical practitioner and a representative from CHRAJ. Supporters of this event included the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre, Larry Fenn Bakery and Catering Services, Print Bureau, Coca Cola, Golden Tree Chocolate, T.T Brothers, Care and Cure Homeopathic Clinic, Negha Fashions, Danny’s Decorations, FM Beauty and Wellness Center, Helen Kay Boutique, Champion Divine Clinic, Doscar Travels and Tours, Nyarko Herbal Clinic, Adom fm, Asempa Fm, First Choice Digital Photo, Everpure Purified Water, and other individuals who contributed to make this Conference a success. Credit: AkumaaMamaZimbi.com