The Tender Mercies International, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) on Wednesday, hosted its 2026 Widows Outreach in Imo State, convening widows and vulnerable women for a programme centered on compassion, awareness, and community support.
In a statement signed by Mrs Joy. Offor, the organisation’s Director of Communication and Advocacy, the outreach was borne out of the organisation ‘s desire to identify with the down-trodden in the society.
Addressing participants, the Founder and Executive Director of Tender Mercies International, Dr. Mrs. Julie Onyeukwu described the outreach as a mission shaped by personal experience as a widow and a commitment to restoring dignity, hope, and purpose to women affected by loss and hardship.
Dr. Mrs Onyeukwu emphasised that the gathering was designed to foster connection, care, and collective healing.
“Over 300 widows and vulnerable women were feted at the occasion and presented with food items such as rice, condiments and cash.
“I have an altruistic commitment to restore the dignity, hope and purpose to women affected by such loss and hardship.
“The organisation therefore, aims to foster connection, care and collective healing,” she noted.
Barr. Ugochi Iheme, a Lawyer, enlightened the women on their rights as widows in their respective homes.
Iheme charged the women to see re-marriage as something to be done under their wishes and not under compulsion.
Dr Yvonne Onyeukwu, a Medical Doctor enlightened the women on taking good care of their health, especially on breast and cervical cancer awareness; its prevention, early detection and care.”
“You should be hardworking and do all within your reach to ensure your children are educated and succeed in life, in cherished memories of their late husbands.”
Founded and launched in Nigeria in 2003, Tender Mercies International also maintains formal status in the United States. The organization works to improve the lives of women and vulnerable groups through targeted interventions.Its core focus areas include social justice and advocacy, disability inclusion, skills acquisition, mentorship, and capacity building for women.
The 2026 Widows Outreach reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to practical, compassion-driven action and long-term empowerment for women and communities.
