Wives of former presidents of African international locations have lamented that they endure systemic neglect, discover themselves deserted, stripped of their sources and dignity and relegated to obscurity after their husbands go away workplace or cross away.
The ex-presidents’ wives rendered these lamentations after they converged on Conakry, Republic of Guinea, for a convention aimed toward having a formidable Former Presidents’ Wives Coalition.
From one former President’s spouse to the others who spoke, it was related tales of battle and loss that they suffered, attributing it to a systemic subject that required pressing consideration.
Championing the trigger, Andre Toure, widow of Guinea’s late President Sekou Toure, mentioned the coalition aimed to revive the aspirations of former Presidents’ wives and guarantee they don’t fade into oblivion after their public service.
“The coalition is to problem the stigma and neglect confronted by former Presidents’ wives, advocating their dignity and respect in society; to create a historic narrative that honours their contributions by establishing a museum devoted to their lives and legacies, thus guaranteeing their tales are documented and remembered,” Toure mentioned in an announcement made obtainable to The PUNCH.
Toure mentioned the coalition’s imaginative and prescient is shared by former Presidents’ wives, Fatmata Momoh (Sierra Leone); and Isabel Vieira (Guinea-Bissau).
“We’re right here to fight the unlucky actuality that many former Presidents’ wives face after their husbands go away workplace.
“These ladies, who as soon as held esteemed positions, typically discover themselves deserted, stripped of their sources and dignity, and relegated to obscurity.
We’re united by our shared experiences and our dedication to vary this narrative.
“We’re not simply figures from the previous; now we have performed vital roles in our nation’s histories, and we deserve recognition and respect. However, we’re handled with indifference and disrespect after our husbands’ political careers finish,” Toure mentioned.
The tales of the battle and lack of the widow of late President Samuel Kedo have been additionally relayed on the convention.
Although she famous that the coalition’s influence waned over time attributable to disappointments and lack of sustained dedication from potential allies, she mentioned the previous Presidents’ wives have been now devoted to empowering their members and advocating for his or her rights.
As a part of the efforts, Toure mentioned the coalition would embark on a tour throughout numerous African nations, introducing their initiative to different former Presidents’ wives and looking for assist from worldwide companions.
She mentioned, “The coalition’s mission will not be solely about advocacy; it’s a name for worldwide companions, governments, and civil society to recognise the very important roles these ladies have performed and to assist their initiatives aimed toward making a extra equitable and dignified existence for former Presidents’ wives throughout Africa.
“Their journey is a collective effort to reshape the narrative round ladies in management roles and to make sure that the sacrifices and contributions of those ladies are honoured and preserved for future generations.”