Celebrated British-Nigerian filmmaker, tech consultant, and social advocate Funmi Ogidan, popularly known as Ogidan’Birin, is set to unveil a major empowerment initiative, Widows and Daughters Empowerment Network (WADEN) during the Akungba Day celebration on July 29.
The much-anticipated launch is scheduled to take place in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, during the community’s annual cultural festival, which celebrates heritage, unity, and progress. A symbolic and strategic moment, the launch aligns with Ogidan’Birin’s mission to merge tradition with transformation.
WADEN, an acronym for Widows and Daughters Empowerment Network, is a grassroots initiative focused on uplifting widows and teenage girls through economic empowerment, mentorship, menstrual hygiene advocacy, and access to education. The program’s vision is to foster a more inclusive and equitable society where no woman or girl is left behind.
“This is more than an initiative; it’s a movement for dignity, empowerment, and legacy,” Ogidan-Birin said ahead of the launch. “Launching WADEN in Akungba—my ancestral roots—is a full-circle moment.”
According to organisers, the event will feature cultural performances, a formal unveiling of WADEN’s programmes, and engagement sessions with community stakeholders. Branded visuals and promotional materials shared in the lead-up depict women adorned in traditional attire—symbolising strength, heritage, and unity—alongside the silhouetted image of a woman and child, which reflects the core mission of the network.
WADEN’s Flagship Programmes include:
- Skills training and micro-grants for widows
- Menstrual hygiene awareness and reusable sanitary pad distribution
- Mentorship and scholarship support for girls
- Cultural storytelling and rights advocacy
Ogidan’Birin, who has also recently gained global acclaim for her epic film, Adunni, continues to champion the cause of African women through her art, advocacy, and leadership in technology.
