Betty Jiri wants Zimbabwe to recognize her work helping disabled people. The 86-year-old widow lives alone after losing her national hero husband Jairos back in 1982. She married him in September 1963 and worked alongside him for decades. Betty claims she became the first African woman worldwide to care for disabled persons. Her husband's death left her with nothing when his estate went to others.
The Bulawayo woman asks government officials for four basic things. She wants land to farm and build greenhouses for growing food. Betty needs a solar water system to help with farming and fish raising activities. A proper house with electricity would give her somewhere to retire peacefully. She also requests a vehicle because walking hurts her broken leg.
Betty says family members took her husband's property without telling her. The estate distribution happened during 2013 without her knowledge or consent. She fought discrimination against disabled people throughout her marriage and beyond. Betty wants recognition as a national heroine before she dies. The elderly woman hopes Zimbabwe will honor her contributions during her remaining years.
The Bulawayo woman asks government officials for four basic things. She wants land to farm and build greenhouses for growing food. Betty needs a solar water system to help with farming and fish raising activities. A proper house with electricity would give her somewhere to retire peacefully. She also requests a vehicle because walking hurts her broken leg.
Betty says family members took her husband's property without telling her. The estate distribution happened during 2013 without her knowledge or consent. She fought discrimination against disabled people throughout her marriage and beyond. Betty wants recognition as a national heroine before she dies. The elderly woman hopes Zimbabwe will honor her contributions during her remaining years.
