This chapter discusses the various widowhood practices prevalent in most Nigerian communities as human rights violations using the feminist lens. It examines the legal framework in Nigeria to address these widowhood practices, including its consistency with the country’s obligations under international human rights law. Further, the chapter also analyses factors that impede the implementation of this legal framework. Despite the provisions of domestic laws, international and regional human rights instruments, and judicial pronouncements on the discrimination against widows in terms of their right to equality, dignity, and property rights, widows still undergo harmful and discriminatory cultural practices in Nigeria. Harmful and discriminatory widowhood practices are detrimental to the physical, emotional, and financial health of women. It is imperative to oppose and end these harmful and discriminatory practices while standing up for women’s rights through a feminist lens.

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Widowhood Practices and Human Rights in Nigeria

  • Agah Deborah Achimugu-Opaluwa

摘要

This chapter discusses the various widowhood practices prevalent in most Nigerian communities as human rights violations using the feminist lens. It examines the legal framework in Nigeria to address these widowhood practices, including its consistency with the country’s obligations under international human rights law. Further, the chapter also analyses factors that impede the implementation of this legal framework. Despite the provisions of domestic laws, international and regional human rights instruments, and judicial pronouncements on the discrimination against widows in terms of their right to equality, dignity, and property rights, widows still undergo harmful and discriminatory cultural practices in Nigeria. Harmful and discriminatory widowhood practices are detrimental to the physical, emotional, and financial health of women. It is imperative to oppose and end these harmful and discriminatory practices while standing up for women’s rights through a feminist lens.