For decades, Betty Ayagiba has been a figure of hope for widows and orphans in the Upper East Region. As the founder of the Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), Ms. Ayagiba has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of vulnerable women and children, working to dismantle systemic injustices and foster economic empowerment.
A Personal Journey Towards Advocacy
Ms. Ayagiba’s passion for social justice is deeply rooted in personal experiences and a strong commitment to gender equality. Growing up in a society where widows often faced discrimination and economic marginalization, she witnessed firsthand the challenges many women endured after losing their husbands.
“Widows are sometimes stripped of their property and left with nothing to cater for themselves and their children,” she lamented. “Many of these women do not have access to resources or the ability to fight for their rights.”
These injustices motivated her to establish the Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), an organization dedicated to empowering widows and orphans by providing legal support, economic opportunities, and education.
Family Influence and Support
Betty Ayagiba’s commitment to widows and orphans was shaped in part by the values instilled in her by her family. Raised in a large household that emphasized compassion and resilience, she learned early on the importance of standing up for those who could not fight for themselves.
Her family’s unwavering support gave her the courage to challenge societal norms and advocate for marginalized women. Even as she faced opposition, her family’s encouragement reinforced her belief that no woman should suffer simply because she lost her husband.
How WOM Started
The idea to create WOM was born out of a personal experience that profoundly impacted Ms. Ayagiba. While she had always been aware of the struggles widows faced, it wasn’t until she encountered a widow on the brink of death that she realized something had to be done.
The woman had been left destitute after her husband’s passing, with no means to provide for herself or her children. Witnessing her suffering was a turning point for Ayagiba.
“I remember thinking, if no one is going to stand up for her, then I will,” she recalled. With that determination, she began reaching out to other widows, listening to their stories, and seeking ways to provide support. What started as a small effort to help one woman soon grew into a movement that has since transformed thousands of lives.
Bringing Widows Together
One of Ayagiba’s first steps in establishing WOM was to create a sense of community among widows. She understood that their struggles were not just financial but also emotional. Many felt isolated, abandoned by their families, and shunned by society. To combat this, she began organizing gatherings where widows could come together to share their experiences, offer support, and learn new skills.
“At first, many were hesitant to join,” she admitted. “But as word spread, more and more widows began to see the value in standing together.”
Through these meetings, WOM fostered a network of solidarity, providing widows with not only resources but also a renewed sense of belonging and hope.
Facing Mockery and Resistance
As WOM grew, so did the backlash. Ayagiba faced resistance from those who believed that widows should remain silent and accept their fate. Some members of the community mocked her efforts, accusing her of challenging tradition.
“There were times when people laughed at us, saying we were wasting our time,” she said. “But I knew that if we kept pushing forward, we would prove them wrong.”
Despite these challenges, she remained undeterred. Over time, the tangible results of her work silenced the critics. Women who had once been destitute were now running businesses, sending their children to school, and reclaiming their dignity.
A Daughter’s Legacy
As WOM continues to expand, Ms. Ayagiba’s daughter, Fati Abigail Abdulai has stepped in to help manage the organization, ensuring that its mission endures for future generations. Inspired by her mother’s unwavering dedication, she has taken up the mantle of leadership, bringing new ideas and energy to the movement.
“I see in her the same passion that drove me to start this journey,” Ms. Ayagiba said proudly. “Knowing that WOM is in good hands gives me hope that the fight for widows’ rights will continue long after I am gone.”
Transforming Lives Through WOM
Since its inception, WOM has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at changing the narrative for widows and orphans in Ghana. Through legal advocacy, Ayagiba and her team have helped countless women reclaim their rights to property and inheritance, fighting against cultural practices that often leave them destitute.
Beyond legal aid, WOM provides vocational training programs, enabling widows to gain financial independence. “Economic empowerment is crucial,” Ayagiba emphasized. “When a widow can earn a living, she gains confidence and the ability to care for her children.”
The organization has also played a pivotal role in ensuring access to education for orphans, recognizing that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. “Every child deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances,” she stated passionately.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the significant impact of WOM, Ms. Ayagiba acknowledges that the journey has not been easy. Resistance from traditional authorities and deeply ingrained societal norms have posed challenges. However, through persistent engagement and dialogue, she has been able to foster change.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but when people see the positive impact, they begin to understand the importance of what we do,” she noted.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Ms. Ayagiba’s work has gained national and international recognition, inspiring many to join the fight for gender equality and social justice. Her efforts have not only transformed individual lives but have also contributed to policy discussions on the rights of widows in Ghana.
As she looks to the future, Ayagiba remains committed to expanding WOM’s reach and ensuring that no widow or orphan is left behind. “This is a lifelong mission,” she declared. “As long as injustice exists, we must continue to fight.”
Her story is one of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to humanity. Through WOM, Betty Ayagiba has changed countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and hope.
This story on Betty Ayagiba’s advocacy for widows and orphans was inspired by the implementation of Equal Voices Project by A1 Radio. The project is a collaboration between the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Canal France International (CFI) with A1 Radio as a beneficiary media house. The project is aimed at strengthening the capacities of media professionals to promote better representation of gender through their editorial content and organisational policies. As part of this initiative, A1 Radio has established a Gender Desk and developed dedicated programming to integrate gender-focused reporting into its news coverage. To achieve this, all journalists and newsroom staff at the station have received specialized training to report on gender-related issues, equipping them with the skills to amplify marginalized voices. The project has also strengthened their ability to tell impactful stories like Madam Ayagiba’s, ensuring that their work and the broader fight for gender equality are not only highlighted but also inspire meaningful discussions and action toward social change.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
