Non-profit organisation, Rose of Sharon Foundation, has again raised concern over the continued maltreatment of widows in Nigeria, calling for stronger advocacy, legal protection, and grassroots action to uphold the rights and dignity of widows across the country.
Speaking at a widowhood rights programme held recently to engage stakeholders
on advocacy and capacity building, the Foundation lamented the increasing cases
of abuse and neglect faced by widows, including dispossession of property, being
denied custody of their children and harmful cultural practices.
RoSF Administrative Officer, Ayomide Fatoki, said it is heartbreaking and
concerning that even today, many widows and orphans continue to suffer in
silence.
She noted that the advocacy programme, targeted at empowering widows to help
them be more independent; brought together relevant stakeholders and
policymakers to bring to the fore, challenges widows face.
Citing a recent case from Taraba State, Oloruntosin Taiwo, the National
Coordinator, RoSF, explained how a displaced widow was assisted after heavy
rainfall destroyed her home.
“We assisted in replacing her roof. Another widow had her children taken from
her. These are the realities many women face after losing their spouses,” she
divulged.
Fatoki called on all tiers of government, community leaders, school heads, policy advisors and stakeholders to rise in defence of widowhood rights, saying,
“Knowing the rights is not enough. We must ensure offenders are prosecuted and
these rights are upheld in every area in the country.”
The programme featured testimonies from widows who had benefited from the
foundation’s interventions.
Legal member, FIDA Lagos, Barrister Edirin Essiet, stressed the need to
challenge harmful practices. “Being a widow is neither a stop sign nor a bad label
on any woman. Culture is not static and should not be harmful. No one has the
right to take a child from their parent. If it happens, speak out,” she said.
Also speaking, Youths Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN),
Agbado/Oke-Odo branch, Obafemi Oshungboye, shared his experience working
with orphans in local schools. “We’re building a security post and providing
uniforms. We may not do everything, but we must do what we can. Foundations
like RoSF help us reach those who need it most,” he said.
Adebola, a member of the Foundation, recounted her journey after losing her
husband in 2010. “I was alone with my children until I was introduced to RoSF.
Despite the crowd, I was empowered to start a trading business. Today, I have built
my own home,” she shared.
Another beneficiary, said she was rejected by her late husband’s family for
refusing to perform traditional rites due to her religious beliefs. “I was introduced
to the Foundation and my two children were trained through university. I was also
trained in multiple skills. They also conduct regular medical checkups for us to
ensure we maintain our health,” she said.
