By Cynthia Talatu Batuta
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for stronger legal protections, economic empowerment initiatives, and an end to harmful traditional practices that continue to undermine the rights and dignity of widows across Nigeria.
The call was made as the association joined the global community in commemorating the 2026 International Widows Day, using the occasion to draw attention to the challenges faced by widows and advocate for policies that promote their welfare and inclusion.
In a statement signed by the National Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Wasilah I. Ladan, the association said widows remain among the most vulnerable groups in society, often confronted with social, economic and legal obstacles following the loss of their spouses.
According to NAWOJ, many widows suffer from property grabbing, denial of inheritance rights, social stigmatization, poverty, emotional trauma and other forms of discrimination that hinder their ability to rebuild their lives and contribute productively to society.
National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, described International Widows Day as an important reminder that widows deserve recognition, support and equal opportunities rather than neglect and exclusion.
“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.
She urged governments at all levels, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to enact and enforce laws that protect widows’ rights to inheritance, property ownership and active participation in society.
The NAWOJ President also condemned harmful widowhood practices that continue to exist in some communities, stressing that such practices degrade women and further expose them to economic hardship and social isolation.
She emphasized the need for the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and other relevant state laws designed to protect widows from abuse, disinheritance and degrading widowhood rites.
Beyond legal protection, NAWOJ advocated targeted economic empowerment programmes, including skills acquisition initiatives, entrepreneurship support, grants and access to soft loans that would enable widows to attain financial independence and improve their living standards.
The association further highlighted the importance of social inclusion and public sensitization campaigns aimed at challenging negative stereotypes and cultural perceptions surrounding widowhood.
NAWOJ noted that community engagement and responsible media reporting can play a significant role in changing public attitudes and promoting respect for widows within society.
The association also called for improved access to psychosocial support services, including counselling and mental health programmes, to help widows cope with grief, trauma and the emotional challenges associated with losing a spouse.
In addition, NAWOJ urged government agencies to generate accurate and comprehensive data on widows across the country to support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen social protection programmes targeted at vulnerable women.
Reaffirming its commitment as the voice of women in the media, the association pledged to continue promoting ethical and responsible journalism that amplifies the stories of widows, exposes abuses and advocates policies that restore their dignity and improve their quality of life.
“As we commemorate International Widows Day, we must commit ourselves to building a society where no woman is punished twice—first by the loss of her spouse and then by injustice, discrimination and exclusion,” the association stated.
NAWOJ maintained that protecting widows and empowering them economically remains critical to achieving social justice, gender equality and sustainable national development.