Widows’ association closes on high note

November 25, 2025
6:13 am

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Widows Association in Solomon Islands ended their program for the year 2025 on high note yesterday at the Multipurpose Hall.

Widows Association members rise to sing an opening song

HHC Panatina Ward Councilor Lydia Yeo giving her remarks at the ceremony

HCC Panatina Ward Councilor, Lydia Yeo in her brief remarks thanked all members of the association and guests for attending the closing ceremony.

She also thanked those who have supported them throughout their journey and also thanks those who will help them in the future.

“To you who have supported us and to those who will support us in the future, I would like to express my sincere gratitude,” she said.

Widows Association Chairlady, Jessica Teiloku speaking at the ceremony

According to the association’s chairlady, Jessica Teiloku, the association was established 7 years ago by HCC Panatina Ward Councilor, Lydia Yeo.

She expressed that Councilor Yeo had struggled to find widows in Solomon Islands at the time and when she did, she tried her best to bring them altogether.

“Lydia tried her best to bring us together with one mind and one soul and to help us women become business minded,” said Teiloku.

She mentioned that the association has allowed them to come together to share their stories, comfort one another, do activities together and have bible studies to help them go through whatever struggle they were facing.

“So, we are happy to come together for this closing ceremony,” said Teiloku.

Madam Jocelyn Manele, Patron of Widows Association presenting her remarks

Also at the closing ceremony was Jocelyn Manele, Patron of the association and wife of Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele.

In her remarks, she said she is happy to be at the ceremony.

Manele stressed that she is sure that they have experienced being together and working as a team.

She highlighted that she understands that their mission is to change the story of widowhood by showing that widows can stand strong to support each other and live with dignity.

Manele also said she has seen a lot of widows who strive to make ends meet through their small marketing businesses.

“And as a widow you are your own boss in what you do and that is one beauty of being a widow. You can run your own small markets or businesses and be your own boss,” she said.

Two widows, Hayless Afu and Mary Konainao also took the opportunity to confidently share their stories as widows.

After speeches, they enjoyed entertainment performed by their respective groups before concluding with the presentation of gifts from Founder of the association, HCC Panatina Ward Councilor, Lydia Yeo.