A group of over 50 widows from the Muinue Morogoro Municipality Widows Women's Group are preparing for a seven-day regional entrepreneurship conference in Dodoma. The conference, scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 5, 2026, will bring together delegates from Tanzania, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The event aims to provide a platform for the widows to acquire practical skills, network, and strengthen their income-generating activities.
The group, led by chairperson Ms Mary Balaigwa, currently runs small businesses at local churches to improve their financial stability. According to Ms Balaigwa, the conference offers a vital opportunity for the widows to connect with peers across Tanzania and beyond to share experiences. The widows will receive specialized entrepreneurship training, insights on relevant laws, and project management guidance, which they can apply to their local businesses.
However, the group faces a significant challenge in transporting the delegation to Dodoma, requiring over Sh3 million to hire a vehicle. Each participant is expected to contribute Sh150,000, but the group frequently grapples with capital shortages, solo child-rearing, and severe socio-economic hardships following the loss of a spouse. Ms Balaigwa expressed a strong desire for all 60 members to attend, empowering them to apply newly acquired knowledge locally instead of depending on handouts.
Morogoro resident Hamis Chidide, 51, weighed in on related social challenges, stressing the importance of safeguarding widows' property rights. He condemned the malpractice of relatives seizing estate assets left behind by a deceased husband, calling for equal protection and respect for legal heirs. This issue highlights the need for support and protection for widows in the region.
Morogoro Region Special Seats Member of Parliament, Ms Lucy Kombani, underscored that economic vulnerability remains a major hurdle for widows striving to raise their families. To bridge the transport gap, Ms Kombani has contributed Sh1 million towards the group's travel expenses while mobilising additional stakeholders to clear the remaining deficit. Her efforts aim to support the widows in their economic empowerment.
Furthermore, Ms Kombani announced plans to arrange tailored financial literacy and vocational training through the Small Industries Development Organisation. The training will focus on batik-making, petroleum jelly production, and candle manufacturing. Additionally, the members will receive specialized poultry farming training from Sokoine University of Agriculture to enhance household incomes.
Ms Kombani urged widows to stand on their own feet, actively pursue their inheritance rights, and seize available economic opportunities for the sake of their children. She also called upon couples to peacefully resolve domestic disputes and share parental responsibilities equitably, warning against marginalising children after separation. The conference and subsequent training aim to empower the widows to improve their socio-economic status.
Key points
- The conference aims to provide a platform for the widows to acquire practical skills, network, and strengthen their income-generating activities.
- The group faces a significant challenge in transporting the delegation to Dodoma, requiring over Sh3 million to hire a vehicle.
- Ms Kombani has contributed Sh1 million towards the group's travel expenses and plans to arrange tailored financial literacy and vocational training.
