The CBA Foundation’s campaign, ‘The Repression of Widowhood’, has earned two major accolades at the 2025 Pitcher Awards, spotlighting a powerful movement that has amplified the voices of widows in Nigeria.
In a ceremony that celebrates creativity, impact, and innovation across Africa’s communication and development landscape, the CBA Foundation took home a Silver award in the Societal Impact (Effectiveness) category and a Bronze in the Non-Profit Organizations (Pitcher for Good) category. The campaign, born out of a desire to restore dignity to disadvantaged widows, has grown from a digital podcast series into a full-fledged national movement.
Founder, CBA Foundation, Chinwe Bode Akinwande, in a press statement, said the recognition is for every woman who thought her story had ended.
It is a reminder that we see you, we hear you, and we will keep fighting for you,” Akinwande stated.
With over 15 million widows in Nigeria, many of whom suffer discrimination, abuse, and social exclusion, The Repression of Widowhood campaign set out to address a deep societal wound. Widows in many parts of the country are not just grieving; they are accused of causing their husband’s death, stripped of their homes and property, and forced to care for children without any support system.
Recognising this crisis, the CBA Foundation began the campaign as a podcast series focused on educating widows on their legal rights. The initiative quickly gained traction, reaching over 51,000 listeners and sparking important conversations about widowhood, gender justice, and traditional norms.
Backed by digitXplus, the Foundation expanded its efforts offline through a Walkathon that united Nigerians in solidarity. But the campaign didn’t stop at raising awareness, it delivered concrete support where it mattered most.
With partnerships from five fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands, the campaign achieved the following milestones: Food relief and healthcare for 412 widows across Lagos, Ogun, and Anambra States; Seed funding and business training for 20+ widows to start their own enterprises; Free medical care for 202 widows; Educational support for 169 children of widows and Launch of Art Piece of Hope, a sustainable skill-building program teaching widows tie & dye fabric production.
Head of strategy, digitXplus, Damilola Popoola added, “It is not every day you get to be in the forefront of a vision that truly changes lives. We are proud of this win, but even prouder of the impact. This wasn’t just a campaign, it was a commitment to justice. to humanity. to lasting change. And we are not stopping here. We are walking for hope, until every widow stands tall again.”
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