'Woman, But Not Human': Widowhood Practices and Human Rights Violations in Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines widowhood practices in Nigeria and its implications for the enjoyment of women's fundamental rights and freedoms. The article discusses the effects of the socio-cultural and legal structures of Nigeria for gender equality. It argues that the plural legal system in the country, which encourages the application of statutory law side by side with customary law, can potentially undermine women's fundamental rights. The article then discusses specific human rights of women, particularly the rights to dignity and non-discrimination that are threatened by widowhood practices. In conclusion, it is argued that since Nigeria has ratified international and regional human rights instruments such as the Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women (African Women's Protocol), it is obligated to take appropriate steps and measures to eradicate harmful cultural practices that may violate women's rights.

Nutrition, Religion, and Widowhood in Nigeria

“…The bereaved woman must also frequently endure dehumanizing and abusive rituals that are customarily part of the mourning process across Nigeria (Sossou, 2002). These typically include degrading rites and extended periods of seclusion meant to showcase the intensity of sorrow over the man's death, prove the widow's innocence in that death and ensure that she cannot be impregnated by another while there is uncertainty of whether she bears his child (Ewelukwa 2002;Sossou 2002;Durojaye 2013;NIALS 2013). Such indignities have been a particular focus of NGOs working with widows.…”

“…See for example, Okoye 1995; United Nations 2001; Ekelukwa 2002;Sossou 2002;Emery 2003;Durojaye 2013; NIALS 2013;Genyi and Genyi, 2013. …”

Between rhetoric and reality: the relevance of substantive equality approach to addressing gender inequality in Mozambique

“…Such a practice can undermine the rights to dignity and non-discrimination of women (Durojaye 2013). Article 21 of the African Women's Protocol imposes obligations on African governments to ensure that their laws and policies recognise women's right to inheritance.…”

Human Identity: Child Rights and the Legal Framework for Marriage in Nigeria

“…Nigeria is a patriarchal society (Durojaye, 2013;Horn, 1995;Htun & Weldon, 2011). A patriarchal society is defined as ''a system of male authority which oppresses women through its social, political and economic institutions.…”