Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative (SLNI) hosted a meaningful event titled Advancing Human Rights Through Adult Literacy for Inclusion and Development as part of the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This event took place on 23rd June 2025 at CAGI, Maison de Maître, La Pastorale in Geneva. The event was chaired by Ms. Hauwa Abbas, the President and Founder of Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative. It was held to mark International Widows Day and to raise awareness about how adult literacy can support widows and promote their rights.
This event brought together community leaders, humanitarian workers, international organizations, and policy advocates. It focused on how adult literacy can help women, especially widows, overcome discrimination and improve their lives. Participants discussed the many ways literacy supports education, independence, and inclusion.
The event was interactive. Both speakers and attendees took part in the discussions. Everyone was encouraged to share ideas and experiences. This made the event engaging and thoughtful.
Ken Sinda pointed out that “Literacy is the key” meaning you have more access to education and your rights. Carol Munchen added, “Literacy is dignity which stands for the ability to communicate well”. Other speakers, including Anne Tainsworth, Celia Viez, and Jenny Chify also talked about how “literacy helps people become more visible in society and more self-reliant”.
Jan and Joe, who work with community groups, commented, Literacy is a bridge from one world to another while James and Kimberly Powers shared that, “Literacy lifts women and children to higher ground”.
Participants also stressed that literacy is not just about reading and writing. It includes financial, health, and digital literacy. These are all important for daily life and for making informed choices. One of our speaker also highlighted, “If people need to read for clarity, they also need to read for change”.
A key issue raised during the event was that widows often face serious challenges. Many do not have access to education, legal information, or public services. This lack of access is a major human rights concern. As one participant said, “Lack of literacy is like darkness in a room with no direction”.
The event supported the goals of the Human Rights Council by calling for action. It urged governments and organizations to invest in women-led literacy programs, especially in low-income and post-conflict areas. It also called for safe and supportive spaces where widows can learn and grow. The speakers asked that adult literacy be included in national plans for education, equality, and development.
Desmond Tutu’s words were shared during the event: “If we are going to see real development in the world, our best investment would be women”. This quote summed up the message of the event.
The event ended with a strong call to action. SLNI, together with its partners, reminded everyone that helping one woman through literacy can lead to positive change in families and communities. Ms. Hauwa Abbas said it clearly “If you build a woman, you build a home. You build a generation”.
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Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative (SLNI)
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