By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Edirin Essiet is a legal practitioner and Convener, Total Life Concern, which was established for the welfare of widows, orphans and others in the society.
In the course of her vocation, she recognized that there are some harmful traditional practices for widows during their mourning period. These persist due to illiteracy and poverty, thereby creating a challenging cycle that is difficult to break
However, she believes that with education and awareness, these practices will begin to lessen, thereby disintegrating the root causes of it all in widowhood.
Essiet, thus became a voice advocating for the implementation and enforcement of laws that protect widows’ rights. In this interview with Daily Sun, Essiet spoke on a social welfare scheme aimed at providing a support system meant for widows to transit out of poverty.
Some cultural practices in the course of widowhood are said to be harmful. Once a woman’s husband dies, she faces maltreatment. What do you say to this?
It is indeed heartbreaking to see that in some cultures, a woman is treated as less valuable and is subjected to certain inhumane practices simply because her husband has passed away. These practices not only strip widows of their dignity and rights but also perpetuate a cycle of poverty, emotional distress, and social exclusion.
What significant concern should Nigerians have on such cultural practices?
Harmful traditional practices affecting widows in Nigeria are a significant concern, particularly in various cultural contexts. In some states, widows may face specific rites and customs that can be detrimental to their well-being.
Many cultures require widows to undergo prolonged mourning periods during which they may be isolated and prohibited from participating in social activities. This can lead to emotional distress, social stigmatization, and a lack of support from their communities.
In some regions, widows are often denied inheritance rights to their deceased husband’s property. This practice leaves them vulnerable and can push them into poverty, making it difficult to support themselves and their children. Certain cultures also impose degrading rituals on widows, such as cleansing ceremonies or being forced to marry a relative of the deceased. These practices can strip widows of their autonomy and dignity and can be deeply traumatic.
After the death of their husbands, widows may be ostracized from their communities, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression. Social isolation can hinder their ability to rebuild their lives and find support networks. They often face stigma and discrimination, leading to negative perceptions about their character and status within society. This can result in a lack of acceptance and support from friends and family. In some cultures, there is significant pressure for widows to remarry and produce male heirs, which can lead to forced marriages or relationships that may not be consensual.
Some widows become targets for exploitation, including financial abuse and even physical violence. The vulnerability created by their social and economic circumstances can make it easier for others to take advantage of them. Some traditions enforce restrictions on what widows can wear, whom they can associate with, and how they can conduct their lives. These limitations can hinder their ability to heal and move forward after loss.
How impactful is the growing movement among advocacy groups in Nigeria and internationally to address these harmful practices?
Education and awareness campaign programmes aimed at changing societal attitudes towards widows and their rights are crucial. Legal reforms are also necessary to protect widows from discrimination and ensure their rights to inheritance and personal autonomy.
TLC Widows Outreach is already tackling this with some of our programme interventions, like free legal counselling and community awareness and advocacy. I recognize that harmful traditional practices often persist due to illiteracy and poverty, creating a cycle that is challenging to break and so a multifaced approach to disintegrating the root cause in collaboration with the Nigerian Government will be a great move to eradicate these practices.
For instance, we can advocate for the implementation and enforcement of laws that protect widows’ rights and eliminate harmful traditional practices. As some laws, still inhibit the right of these traditional practices to go on. We can also have Social Welfare programmes to provide a robust support system for widows, helping them transition out of poverty, such as government-led poverty alleviation programs that provide financial assistance, vocational training and employment opportunities for widows and families in specific. In the end, the root causes of these harmful traditional practices are embedded in illiteracy and poverty, and through these collaborative efforts, TLC Widows Outreach and the Nigerian government can make significant strides in eliminating harmful traditional practices. I believe we can create a society where widows are respected, empowered, and allowed to thrive.
What can you say about social stigmatization and other alienations during the period of mourning in some cultures?
Social stigmatization and alienation during the period of mourning can vary significantly across cultures, influenced by societal norms, beliefs, and practices surrounding death and grief.
“Different cultures have distinct mourning rituals, which can either foster community support or lead to stigmatization. For example, in some cultures, mourning practices involve community engagement and collective grieving, which can strengthen social bonds. In contrast, in others, there may be explicit rules about how mourning should be expressed, leading to feelings of isolation for those who do not conform.
‘In many cultures, gender roles influence how mourning is expressed. For example, men may be expected to exhibit stoicism, while women may be encouraged to openly express their grief. This can lead to stigmatization of those who do not fit these roles, resulting in feelings of alienation or judgment from their community.
‘There often exist societal expectations about the duration and manner of mourning. Individuals who do not adhere to these expectations may face criticism or ostracism. This can create an environment where mourners feel pressured to hide their emotions or adhere to prescribed behaviors, leading to further isolation.
Stigmatization and alienation can also intersect with socioeconomic status. Those from marginalized backgrounds may face double stigma during mourning, experiencing both the loss of a loved one and social exclusion due to economic hardships.
Mourning can affect interpersonal relationships. Some friends and family members may withdraw from the bereaved due to discomfort with grief, leading to feelings of abandonment and further isolating the mourner.
Overall, the experiences of social stigmatization and alienation during mourning are complex and heavily influenced by cultural context. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering supportive environments for individuals experiencing grief.
What do you think that the government and NGO’s can do to reduce these pressures on widows in some of these cultures?
There has been a growing movement among advocacy groups in Nigeria and internationally to address these harmful practices. Education and awareness campaigns aimed at changing societal attitudes towards widows and their rights are crucial.
Legal reforms are also necessary to protect widows from discrimination and ensure their rights to inheritance and personal autonomy.
Furthermore, support systems such as counseling services, economic empowerment programs, and legal assistance can help widows navigate these cultural challenges and rebuild their lives in a more supportive environment. Working with community leaders to shift harmful practices towards more equitable and compassionate approaches is also essential for long-term change.
Again, with some of interventions, like free legal counseling and community awareness and advocacy such as government-led poverty alleviation programs that provide financial assistance, vocational training and employment opportunities for widows and particular families in need.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to this cause, working towards a future where widowhood is no longer a sentence of suffering but a phase of life where women are supported and empowered to thrive.
What informed your decision to establish an NGO for vulnerable widows in the society?
The decision to establish a forum for vulnerable widows was born out of a deep compassion for the struggles faced by widows in our society. I have witnessed firsthand the pain, challenges, and uncertainties that widows endure after the loss of their partners. I decided to create a supportive environment for those in need. I became passionate at a point while assisting them. Total Life Concern, Widows’ Outreach was set up in 2017 with the belief that widows deserve support, hope, and a chance to rebuild their life.
Tell us about some of the projects and their impact on widows?
Over the years, we have undertaken numerous projects designed to support widows and orphans. We have reached over 2,000 beneficiaries. We established an annual medical outreach programme where we provide free healthcare in the mold of medical consultations, screenings, and treatments to widows to improve their health and help them lead healthier lives. Most widows cannot afford medical care because it is out their reach.
In the last seven years, we have been able to provide these free healthcare services to about 1,600 widows in Nigeria.
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