Rakiya A.Muhammad
Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has called for an end to all harmful traditional practices that degrade and impoverish widows, while urging economic empowerment and support for entrepreneurship to help widows achieve financial independence.
She made the call Wednesday in a statement signed by Comrade Wasilah I. Ladan, NAWOJ National Secretary, to commemorate the International Widows Day 2026.
Hajiya Aisha noted that widows face unique social, economic, and legal challenges.
“From property grabbing and denial of inheritance to stigma, poverty, and psychological trauma, many are left vulnerable when they need support the most,” the NAWOJ National Chairperson highlighted.
She noted that these realities deny widows the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
“International Widows Day is a reminder that widows are not invisible;they are mothers, entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors,” the National Chairperson asserted.
“As journalists, we have a duty to change the narrative from one of pity to one of power, resilience, and inclusion. Governments, traditional institutions, and civil society must enact and enforce laws that safeguard widows’ rights to inheritance, property, and participation.”
She added: “We use this occasion to amplify the voices of widows, highlight their resilience, and demand urgent action to protect their rights and dignity across Nigeria.”
Hajiya Aisha called on the government to generate accurate data on widows to inform inclusive policies and social protection programs.
She harped on legal protection and enforcement, and the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and state-level laws that protect widows from disinheritance, abuse, and harmful widowhood rites.
The NAWOJ National Chairperson stressed the need for social inclusion and sensitisation, along with community and media campaigns to challenge stigmatisation and change negative cultural perceptions about widowhood.
“There is also a need for psychosocial support, including access to counselling and mental health services, to help widows cope with grief and trauma,” she pointed out.
“This International Widows Day, let us all commit to building a society where no woman is punished twice, first by loss and then by injustice.”
She expressed NAWOJ’s commitment, as the voice of women in the media, to continue ethical and responsible reportage that centres on widows’ stories, exposes abuses, and promotes policies that restore their dignity.
