Barbaric Customs Against Widows in Africa: A cry for change, by Gift Luckson
Some days ago, a widow, Mrs Chika Ndubuisi, was rescued from drinking water used to bathe her husband’s corpse in Awo-Omamma, in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
The widow was rescued from the hands of her husband’s kinsmen, who attempted to force her to drink the water used in bathing the corpse of her husband to prove her innocence over his death.
It was gathered that her husband’s kinsmen allegedly tried to compel her to drink from the water. Still, the swift intervention of the Commissioner, the Local Council Authority of the area, and security agencies halted the attempt following alerts raised by a women’s group.
READ ALSO: Ability in Disability: The entrepreneurial spirit of Persons with Disabilities, by Gift Luckson
Rescue by Government Bodies
The alarm drew the attention of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, exposing the actions of the said kinsmen.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, condemned the act, describing it as an inhuman widowhood practice that has become outdated.
The commissioner expressed shock that such a practice still exists in the present-day society, where a widow, already traumatised by the loss of her husband, would be coerced by her late husband’s kinsmen to partake in a ritual involving drinking from the water used in bathing his corpse.
She said, “Normalcy has been restored, and a detailed investigation is underway. The widow, Mrs Ndubuisi, and her children are under government protection.”
READ ALSO: Cuffy, Kofi Badu: A bold symbol of resistance against slavery, by Gift Luckson
She frowned at the act, describing it as barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilised society.
Lady Ugwu stated that the Ministry’s action, in collaboration with the Chairman of the Local Council and some Non-Governmental Organisations, facilitated the rescue of the widow and her children.
She confirmed that some arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, the wife of the state governor, Chioma Uzodinma, has directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law.
According to reports, since her husband’s death, the widow was detained together with her husband’s corpse, and was accused by her in-laws of being responsible for his death.
A Recurring Inhumanity
Across parts of Africa, widowhood, a time that should bring compassion and support, too often exposes women to cruel, dehumanising traditions. Rooted in superstition, patriarchy, and ignorance. These customs have left countless widows traumatised and stigmatised.
In some communities, widows are forced to drink the water used to wash their late husband’s body, believed to prove innocence in his death. Others endure “cleansing rituals” — sometimes involving unsafe sexual acts or isolation — under the guise of tradition.
Disinheritance and Banishment
There are places where widows are stripped of their property, disinherited, or even banished from their homes. Some are made to shave their heads, wear black or ragged clothing for months, or sit on the bare floor in mourning — treated as if they carry bad luck.
Behind these practices lies deep cultural control over women’s lives and bodies. Many are denied the right to remarry, rebuild, or even speak out.
Interventions
Thankfully, human rights groups, churches, and reform-minded traditional leaders across Africa are challenging these customs. Awareness campaigns, legal protections, and education are helping communities understand that mourning does not mean humiliation.
Widowhood should not be a curse, it is a call for empathy, dignity, and justice.
Ending Barbaric Widowhood Customs in Africa
Barbaric widowhood practices remain one of the most painful violations of women’s rights in parts of Africa. To end these cruel traditions, a united effort is needed. This effort must include law, education, and community change.
Enforce Stronger Laws: Governments must strictly implement laws that protect widows from abuse, disinheritance, and degrading rituals. Offenders, including those who enforce such customs, should face clear legal penalties.
Community Education and Awareness:
Many harmful customs persist due to ignorance and superstition. Continuous public enlightenment, led by local leaders, women’s groups, and faith-based organisations, can help communities understand that widowhood is not a curse but a human experience deserving compassion.
Empower Widows Economically:
Poverty often makes widows vulnerable. Skill training, access to credit, and inclusion in community development programmes can help them rebuild their lives and gain respect.
Involve Traditional and Religious Leaders:
Change is most effective when it comes from within. Chiefs, elders, and religious figures should publicly denounce harmful widowhood rites and promote humane, respectful mourning practices.
READ ALSO: From Streets to Screens: Social media and the rise of prostitution in Nigeria, by Gift Luckson
Support Networks and Advocacy:
Establishing widow support groups, legal aid services, and safe shelters can provide immediate protection and long-term empowerment for affected women.
By replacing cruelty with compassion and ignorance with understanding, Nigeria and indeed Africa can uphold the dignity of its women, ensuring that no widow ever suffers humiliation in the name of culture.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
