Prominent advocacy groups, including the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), have backed the move to grant both men and women five months widowhood leave to mourn their spouses.
 
The stakeholders expressed their backing yesterday during a public hearing on a Bill aimed at achieving the objective, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, chaired by Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos).
 
The proposed legislation seeks to grant widows and widowers the five months leave to to grieve, seek counselling, and adjust to the reality of losing their loved ones.
 
The sponsor, Abdullahi Saidu Musa (APC, Niger), who described the loss of a spouse as an experience that comes with social, financial and familiar challenges, added that, “it is unfortunate that Nigeria’s labour laws do not explicitly provide for widowhood leave.”
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The lawmaker explained that the bill, which scaled first reading on July 27, 2023, would bridge the gap, by ensuring that widows and widowers are granted adequate time off work to grieve and overcome their pains.

NAWOJ, represented by the National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim, said the bill was worth the while, as it will enhance the well-being of women.

WRAPA, on its part, noted: “The Maputo Protocol, which Nigeria ratified in 2004, mandates state parties to eliminate discrimination against, and uphold the dignity of widows through legal protections and socio-economic support mechanisms. 
 
“By enacting widowhood leave, Nigeria will be advancing compliance with the Maputo Protocol, ensuring equal rights in marriage, and protecting widows from social and economic deprivation.”  National President, of NCWS, Edna Azurfa, said the move would strengthen and protect women and human dignity in Nigeria.
 
“In contemporary society, bereavement profoundly affects emotional well-being and an individual’s capacity to effectively fulfill work obligations. The death of a spouse places significant psychological burdens on the surviving partner, who must navigate grief while managing immediate practicalities such as funeral arrangements and financial planning.

“Establishing widowhood leave would provide essential support during this vulnerable period, facilitating healthier grieving processes, while allowing individuals the space needed to manage responsibilities that arise in such challenging times,” she said.