The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists has called for urgent measures to protect the rights and dignity of widows across Nigeria, as the country joins the global community to commemorate International Widows Day 2026.
In a statement issued to mark International Widows Day 2026, the association expressed concern over the persistent social, economic, and legal challenges faced by widows, including property grabbing, denial of inheritance, stigma, poverty, and psychological trauma.
Key Highlights:
•International Widows Day 2026
•NAWOJ calls for stronger legal protection for widows across Nigeria.
•Association seeks full enforcement of laws against disinheritance and harmful widowhood rites.
•Economic empowerment through grants, soft loans, and skills training recommended.
•Media and community campaigns urged to tackle widowhood stigma.
•Government asked to generate accurate data on widows for inclusive policymaking.
The statement, signed by NAWOJ National Secretary Wasilah Ladan, noted that many widows are left vulnerable at a time when they need support the most.
“From property grabbing and denial of inheritance to stigma, poverty, and psychological trauma, many are left vulnerable at a time they need support the most. These realities deny them the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society,”
NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, said International Widows Day 2026 should serve as a reminder that widows are not invisible.
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“International Widows Day is a reminder that widows are not invisible. They are mothers, entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors. As journalists, we have a duty to change the narrative from one of pity to one of power, resilience, and inclusion,”
She urged governments, traditional institutions, and civil society organisations to enact and enforce laws that protect widows’ rights to inheritance, property ownership, and participation in community life.
The association emphasized the need for full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and other state-level laws that protect widows from abuse, disinheritance, and degrading widowhood practices.
NAWOJ also stressed the importance of social inclusion, calling for sustained media and community campaigns to challenge negative cultural perceptions surrounding widowhood.
“There is also a need for psychosocial support and access to counseling and mental health services to help widows cope with grief and trauma,”
The association urged the government to generate accurate data on widows nationwide to support the development of inclusive social protection programmes and targeted interventions.
As the voice of women in the media, NAWOJ pledged to continue ethical and responsible reporting that highlights widows’ experiences, exposes abuses, and promotes policies that restore their dignity.
“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,”
