First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for the abolition of harmful traditional practices against widows across Africa, urging governments, communities and other stakeholders to uphold their rights, dignity and economic well-being.

In a message to commemorate the 2026 International Widows’ Day on Tuesday, the First Lady said widows should no longer be subjected to customs and practices that strip them of their humanity, stressing the need for stronger legal protection and sustainable empowerment initiatives.

“In Africa, we must do away with harmful traditional practices that are dehumanising to widows,” she declared.

Senator Tinubu made the appeal as the global community marked this year’s International Widows’ Day with the theme: “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives.”

She urged Nigerians and the international community to renew their commitment to addressing the challenges confronting widows, including discrimination, poverty and social exclusion, while creating opportunities that enable them to live productive and fulfilling lives.

According to her, widows deserve to live free from discrimination and harmful cultural practices and should be protected by laws that guarantee their rights and promote their welfare.

“Widows deserve to live free from discrimination, harmful practices, poverty and exclusion. They must be protected by laws that uphold their rights and be empowered through education, access to opportunities and economic support to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” she said.

The First Lady further advocated policies that foster compassion, inclusion and social justice, noting that empowering widows economically would not only improve their quality of life but also strengthen families, communities and national development.

“We must continue to promote compassion, inclusion and policies that protect widows for a safer and more prosperous society. The society should empower widows to be able to provide for their families,” she added.

She reaffirmed the need for collective action to ensure that widows across Africa enjoy justice, dignity and equal opportunities, free from exploitation and marginalisation.