Enugu, Nigeria · Since 2008

Every widow deserves to be seen, safe and supported.

We give widows and their children housing, healthcare, legal aid, education and the capital to rebuild their lives with dignity.

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Dear Widow: you are not alone, you are seen, you are loved — You are not alone

17 years of impact

Over 10,000 widows and 12,000 children reached.

From interest-free loans to free medical outreach, every programme is built to move a family from surviving to thriving.

See our impact Our services

Founded by an advocate

Born from grief. Built to change the story.

Co-founded in 2008 by human rights attorney Gọzie Udemezue, HHWSF stands for a society with zero tolerance for the abuse of widows.

Our story Get in touch

Capacity building Affordable housing Free medical outreach Free legal services Interest-free loans Compassion Justice Empowerment Dignity Capacity building Affordable housing Free medical outreach Free legal services Interest-free loans Compassion Justice Empowerment Dignity

About the founder

A compassionate advocate for the voiceless.

An attorney by training, Gọzie has devoted her life to human rights, grief support and the empowerment of widows and their children, turning personal experience into a mission to uplift others.

LL.M. Human Rights Law, University of London Gold Star alumna, US IVLP Recognised in the U.S. House, 2016

She earned her law degree from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, then a Master of Laws in Human Rights Law from the University of London, after a certificate in International Human Rights from the International Institute for Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. She is now pursuing a doctorate in peace, conflict and development studies.

In 2008, alongside her late husband, Chief Emeka Udemezue, she co-founded the Healing Hearts Widows Support Foundation Inc. (HHWSF), born of a shared commitment to comfort and support widows, a group often overlooked in society.

Her dedication has earned national and global recognition. In July 2016 her achievements were acknowledged on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, and in 2017 she became a Gold Star alumna of the U.S. Department of State International Visitors Leadership Program. Her work continues to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

2008Year founded

Our mission

Empower. Advocate. Restore.

To empower widows and advocate for their rights by providing free medical aid, legal assistance, financial support and educational opportunities, through sensitisation campaigns, scholarships and community outreach that promote dignity, equity and sustainable opportunity.

Our vision

Zero tolerance for abuse.

A society with zero tolerance for abuse and violations of the rights of widows and their children, where they are protected and adequately provided for.

10K+Widows supported

12K+Children reached

85%Achieve self-sufficiency

12States covered

What we do

Five ways we help a family begin again.

Capacity Building

Vocational training, mentorship and skills that turn ambition into steady income.

Affordable Housing

Safe, dignified shelter for widows and children facing eviction and displacement.

Free Medical Outreach

Regular community health camps bringing screenings, treatment and care to those who cannot afford it.

Free Legal Services

Expert representation against harmful widowhood practices, property grabbing and inheritance injustice.

Interest-Free Loans

Start-up capital with no interest, so small businesses can grow and families can stand on their own.

Voices of hope

Stories that remind us why.

“To the sweet soul that paid my daughter’s school fees. Words alone cannot express the depth of gratitude I feel for your incredible generosity in sponsoring my daughter’s school fees over the past years.

The financial burden that had been weighing heavily on my family was suddenly lifted, and in its place we found hope and opportunity. Your kindness and generosity have not gone unnoticed. Through your actions, you have demonstrated the true meaning of compassion and selflessness.”

Mrs Gloria NwankwoMother · Education support

“Good morning ma, I am Mrs Ugwuja Ngozika, the widow you tirelessly helped, paying her son’s school fees right from JSS1 till now that he has written his WAEC and marvelously came out with this wonderful result.

Ma’am, if I say I can reward you, I am lying, because I cannot. But God who knows you and your heart’s desires will meet you at the point of your needs. Thank you so much, ma.”

Mrs Ugwuja NgozikaWidow · Success story

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