Foundation empowers widows with education on legal rights

The Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF) recently hosted a one-day “Widowhood Rights Programme” at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council, aiming to educate widows on their legal rights and address their challenges.

The event brought together community leaders, female market leaders, and foundation beneficiaries.

Dr Ndudi Bowei, Country Manager of RoSF, explained that the programme is designed to engage community stakeholders to discuss the plight of widows, their experiences, and the stigma they often face.

“Many widows experience discrimination, such as challenges in securing housing, neglect, and social stigmatisation. This programme aims to foster understanding among community leaders, encouraging them to advocate for laws and practices that support widows,” Bowei noted.

Representing the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Tochuckwu Eze emphasised the legal rights available to widows, including inheritance rights, property ownership, and protection from harmful practices.

She highlighted that FIDA aims to defend women’s rights against domestic violence, rape, and other abuses, advocating for widows through the courts when necessary. “Through events like this, we educate widows about their rights to dignity, inheritance, child custody, and legal recourse,” Eze said.

The Rose of Sharon Foundation currently supports over 1,000 widows nationwide, with a significant number residing in Lagos and Ogun states.