When Sibongile Sithole lost her husband, Samuel, on a Valentine’s Day 10 years ago, little did she know that she would go through an ordeal that would even result in her being prevented from burying the man she so dearly loved.

Sibongile said some accusations were made after her husband’s death, some of which came from relatives and her in-laws, which caused their relationship to sour.

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I went through a lot after the death of my husband. I did not get support from anyone, including from my in-laws, but only nasty unfounded accusations that even prevented me from attending his funeral

After this, she took it upon herself to start an organisation aimed at creating an environment of acceptance, support, advocacy and encouragement of widows in society. She founded a non-governmental organisation called Widows’ Lives Matter, launched at Mgwenya Park in Matsulu on Saturday, November 16.

“I went through a lot after the death of my husband. I did not get support from anyone, including from my in-laws, but only nasty unfounded accusations that even prevented me from attending his funeral,” she said.

It was then Sibongile realised there could be many other women out there facing similar challenges. “I just started looking around, put my ear on the ground and listened to the other widows.

What I discovered shocked me to the core, and I decided we needed to do something as widows for support and motivation, because widows matter,” she said.

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You have to find a way of dealing with the depression of losing a husband. You must love and accept yourselves in order to have the ability to deal with the stigma.

“Our mission as Widows’ Lives Matter is to provide legal, financial and psychosocial support through the promotion of widows’ programmes. We aim to educate society on the challenges faced by widows through social dialogue and sharing of personal experiences.”

During the event, another senior member of this organisation, Thembi Dube, said: “You have to find a way of dealing with the depression of losing a husband. You must love and accept yourselves in order to have the ability to deal with the stigma.

This organisation will help reduce the stigma and discrimination by giving you the platform to share your experience. Our aim is also to promote the protection and advocacy of widows’ rights.”