“The courage to ask a question is a daring act”
– Laila Gifty
Apole Akolgo is a forty-two (42)-year-old widow from the Baare community and a member of the Baare widow’s group. She has four children, a (1) boy, and three (3) girls.
Life took a hash turn on her and her children after the death of her spouse about twelve (12) years ago.
We were left to fend for ourselves. I toiled by engaging in farming both in the rainy and the dry season to be able to make ends meet. What I earned was not enough to take care of the needs of the family. This situation affected me physically and psychologically as I struggled to provide for my children. My struggles were minimised drastically when I became a member of the widow’s group that was initiated by WOM/AAG. I felt a belonging to this great group. I could share what I was going through the rights of my children.
Three years ago, I fell sick and needed financial assistance to seek medical care. No one in the family was able to support me, then I remembered that the dowry of my daughter who had been married for four years was yet to be collected. I had a discussion with my husband’s brothers to request the dowry of my daughter to aid my treatment. I was ignored on several occasions by the family.
I sought advice from the COMBATs, who suggested that I go to them for the last time and if they paid no heed then, I should go ahead and request the dowry myself. Three days later, I went ahead to request the dowry from my in-laws. The dowry (two cows) was brought to the family as custom demands and it was later given to me.I used those resources to treat myself and supported two of my daughters to complete Senior High School. My last child is now in Junior High School. I have also been able to start a food joint in the community to support my family. Traditionally, the dowries are never given to the mother of the brides. They are received by her father and uncles. I am still surprised that they were given to me.
– Ms. Akolgo
Through the sensitizations organized by WOM, AAG, and COMBATs in our community, I got the courage and the confidence to hold the dialogue with the family to request the dowry of my daughter. Thanks to WOM/AAG for bringing happiness to her life, and for helping widows like myself to gain our voice”.
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This was made possible through the support of ActionAid Ghana
