On September 28th, representatives from Enatta Foundation visited the Isale-Akoka fishing community to stand in solidarity with the family of Mrs Ekumola Obowadun, a sixty year old fisherwoman who had recently passed away. The visit was a gesture of compassion as well as an expression of the foundation’s deep commitment to the fisherwomen whose resilience sustains local coastal economies.

We see the enormous responsibilities that fisherwomen carry and we know that behind every boat that goes out to sea and every basket of fish that comes to the market are women whose strength and sacrifices sustain households and strengthen the local economy, just like Mrs Ekumola who was a fisherwoman for over thirty years of her life. Therefore, when one of them is lost, the absence is felt not only by her family but by all who depended on her resilience and contribution.

During the visit, we offered words of comfort and shared in the family’s grief. We also provided a financial token to support them in this difficult time. It could never replace the presence of their loved one, but it was a way of showing that they are not alone.

Enatta Foundation Representatives with Isale-Akoka Community Fisherwomen and Daughter of Late Mrs Ekumola

Standing by our Truth

It is our belief, in Enatta Foundation, that empowerment cannot be divorced from empathy and that standing with fisherwomen requires our attentiveness to their lived realities, both in times of productivity and in times of grief.

This visit reminded us once again why our work matters and that beyond projects and interventions, there are moments like this when the most important thing we can do is simply to show up and stand side by side with the communities and women we serve. And for as long as we are able to, we will continue to stand with them because true empowerment happens where compassion exists.