No religion or rights can ever justify the oppression of WIDOWS.

Wicked widowhood practice has continued despite laws and customs put in place to mitigate such. Today in Nigeria, widows are still being humiliated, dehumanised and abused via wicked customs, rites and rituals that make one question whether the present government care about women. Sadly, the percentage of women in socio-political offices continues to decrees despite the clamour for affirmative action. With fewer women in legislative roles, the chances that the issues of widows would take frontline are fast dwindling especially because the number of widows in political offices is negligible. This is not unconnected with the fact that society strips widows of dignity and many United Nations initiatives do not make widows a major focus.

In Nigeria, customary laws have provisions for levirate inheritance, which is the “take over” of widow by any of her deceased husband’s male sibling or relative. Though this is fast eroding, some cultures deprive women who decline, the right of place as members of the deceased’s extended family. Some take over the children or force widow to return the bride price.

The Charter for WIDOWS’ RIGHTS demands the elimination of all discrimination against widows, both within the family and in community and public life. Non-state actors – such as family members – may not justify the abuse of widows on the grounds of “custom”.

Discrimination against and abuse of WIDOWS, of all ages, occurs across a wide spectrum of cultures, religions, ethnic groups, regions, irrespective of the economic or education status of the women subject to this oppression

Many widows are dying... They are our mothers, daughters, friends, nieces.

Please sign this petition to make it criminal for any widow to be abused, disinherited or disenfranchised in Nigeria.