In commemoration of the 2025 International Widows Day, the Rose of Sharon Foundation, in partnership with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has renewed its call for the enactment of a comprehensive national law to protect the rights and welfare of widows across Nigeria.
The event, held at the Foundation’s headquarters in Lagos, brought together legal experts, civil society advocates, widows, and development partners to spotlight the systemic injustices faced by widowed women and to push for urgent legislative and policy reforms.
A major highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a landmark joint research report titled “Report on the current state of widows’ rights in Nigeria: Advocating for specific socio-legal protection framework for widows.”
The study, spearheaded by Mrs. A.I. Okpalaku of FIDA Lagos, with key contributions from Dr. Ndudi Bowei and Andrew Ochu-Baiye, offers an in-depth exploration of the legal, social, and cultural challenges that continue to deprive widows of their fundamental rights.
Despite the existence of protective frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the report reveals that thousands of widows in Nigeria still face gross human rights violations — including forced evictions, disinheritance, coerced remarriage, seclusion, and subjection to dehumanising traditional rites.
These practices persist particularly in rural communities where harmful cultural norms remain deeply entrenched and access to justice is limited.
The report also underscores a significant gap in public enlightenment, especially at the grassroots level, where many widows remain unaware of their rights or available legal remedies. It further highlights the lack of consistent media advocacy and insufficient government intervention in addressing the plight of widows.
Key Recommendations:
To address these challenges, the report proposes several practical and legislative measures, including:
The establishment of a dedicated “Widows Help Desk” at relevant government agencies.
Full domestication and implementation of the VAPP Act across all states.
Passage of a national law focused exclusively on the protection of widows.
Development of inclusive social safety nets and economic empowerment programs.
Strengthened enforcement of existing laws through capacity building for law enforcement and judicial officers.
Strategic engagement with traditional and religious institutions to challenge and reform harmful widowhood practices.
Alakija: “Widows Deserve Protection, Not Pity”
In her address, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, founder of the Rose of Sharon Foundation, described the condition of widows in Nigeria as a matter of national concern requiring urgent, collective intervention.
“The plight of widows is a serious issue that must not be ignored,” she said. “There is always more to be done — especially in rural areas where widows do not even know they have rights. I urge our government to stop turning deaf ears to their suffering. These women are citizens. They deserve dignity and protection.”
She also spoke emotionally about the inspiration behind her long-standing advocacy, recounting a divine calling that began nearly two decades ago.
“It was in 2006 or 2007 — I was overwhelmed and I said, ‘Lord, it’s too much for me.’ And He said, ‘Look after my widows and orphans.’ That became my mission.”
When asked whether she supports criminal penalties for individuals who perpetrate harmful widowhood practices, Alakija responded emphatically:
“Absolutely. These are criminal acts. They cause deep trauma and, in some cases, death. We are a country governed by laws. Those who violate the rights of widows must be held accountable. We cannot continue to hide behind culture to justify abuse.”
She further called for greater enforcement of existing laws, while stressing the need to adopt new ones that reflect evolving human rights standards and promote social justice.
A Call to Action
The event concluded with a joint declaration by both the Rose of Sharon Foundation and FIDA to intensify advocacy for legislative change, enhance public awareness, and empower widows through sustained support and strategic partnerships.
International Widows Day is observed every year on June 23 to amplify the voices of widows around the world, promote their rights, and ensure their integration and recognition in society. As Nigeria marks the 2025 edition, the calls made by these frontline organisations serve as a timely reminder of the work that still lies ahead in achieving justice for all widows.
