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The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for stronger protection of widows’ rights, increased economic empowerment initiatives, and an end to harmful cultural practices that continue to undermine the dignity and well-being of widows across Nigeria.
In a statement marking the 2026 International Widows Day, NAWOJ joined the global community in commemorating the day while drawing attention to the challenges faced by millions of widows, including disinheritance, property grabbing, stigmatization, poverty, and psychological trauma.
The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, said the occasion serves as a reminder that widows deserve recognition, protection, and opportunities to thrive despite their loss.
“International Widows Day is a reminder that widows are not invisible. They are mothers, entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors. As journalists, we have a duty to change the narrative from one of pity to one of power, resilience, and inclusion,” she said.
According to her, governments, traditional institutions, and civil society organizations must work together to enact and enforce laws that protect widows’ rights to inheritance, property ownership, and active participation in society.
NAWOJ also called for the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and other state laws designed to protect widows from abuse, disinheritance, and harmful widowhood rites.
The association emphasized the need for targeted economic empowerment programmes, including skills acquisition, access to grants, soft loans, and entrepreneurship support to help widows attain financial independence.
It further advocated sustained public sensitization campaigns to challenge harmful stereotypes and negative cultural perceptions surrounding widowhood, while stressing the importance of counseling and mental health support services for widows dealing with grief and trauma.
The association also urged government agencies to generate accurate data on widows to aid the development of inclusive policies and social protection programmes.
NAWOJ reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism that amplifies the voices of widows, exposes abuses, and promotes policies that uphold their dignity and rights.
The association urged Nigerians to work towards building a society where no woman suffers injustice after losing a spouse, emphasizing that widowhood should never become a pathway to discrimination or exclusion.
