January 2025 – Hundreds of widows in Ghana are finding hope and relief through the efforts of Benedicta and Sonnie’s Tears and Pains (BSTP), a non-profit organization founded by Benedicta Delima, a Ghanaian widow, author, and advocate. Delima’s personal journey of overcoming societal neglect and disenfranchisement as a widow has become the foundation for her life’s mission: to end the systemic injustices widows face in Ghana.
In 2023, Delima established BSTP while simultaneously publishing her powerful memoir, Widow and Son: The Tears and Suffering of a Widow and Son from Ghana. The book sheds light on the pain and resilience of widows navigating a culture where they are often unjustly blamed for their husbands’ deaths, labeled as “witches,” and subjected to violence, homelessness, and extreme poverty.
“Widows in Ghana endure unimaginable hardships,” says Delima. “They are cast out of their homes, assaulted, and left to raise children with no social or legal support. My own experience as a widow compelled me to act, not just for myself but for the countless women in similar situations.”
Through BSTP, Delima and her team have already made a tangible impact, assisting over 400 widows by organizing hospital visits, covering medical expenses, and providing critical supplies such as groceries and rent support. The organization also works tirelessly to raise awareness of these issues, advocating for policy changes to protect widows’ rights and dignity.
BSTP is now seeking support from policymakers, donors, and local organizations to expand its reach. The organization aims to offer vocational training programs that will equip widows with the skills necessary to regain financial independence and rebuild their lives.
Join the Movement
Benedicta and Sonnie’s Tears and Pains invites individuals, corporations, and organizations to contribute to this noble cause. Together, we can end the cycle of violence, stigma, and neglect that continues to plague Ghanaian widows.
Contact Information
Cara Anderson
Media Relations Specialist, Swarthmore College
Email: cander10@swarthmore.edu
Phone: 610-328-8415
Let us stand with Ghanaian widows and rewrite their stories of suffering into ones of resilience and triumph.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
