Nonye Soludo advocates widow empowerment, urging an end to stigma and calling for dignity, support, and inclusion for widows across Nigerian communities
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, has joined the global call for justice and inclusion as she advocates widow empowerment on the occasion of the 2025 International Widows’ Day.
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In a statement issued on Monday to mark the 2025 International Widows’ Day, themed ‘Empower Her: From Loss to Leadership’, Mrs Soludo, who also leads the Healthy Living Initiative, highlighted the challenges widows face and called for societal reform.
She lamented that many widows still endure stigma, isolation, and economic hardship due to cultural practices that marginalise them.
“There is a need to encourage individuals to recognise the struggles widows go through alone and to extend compassion and practical assistance to them,” she said.
“Widows are no less human than anyone else. They have the same rights as every other person. We must treat these remarkable individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect.”
Being a widow should never equate to loss of dignity, respect, and human rights.
The First Lady strongly criticised societies that continue to subject widows to harmful traditional practices, describing such conditions as “barbaric.”
“A society where widows are still subjected to socio-cultural harms is living in complete barbarism. Losing one’s spouse is already enough harm,” she stated.
“Being a widow should never equate to loss of dignity, respect, and human rights.”
Mrs Soludo called for a collective shift in societal perception, urging individuals, communities, and institutions to prioritise empowerment, inclusion, and justice for widows.
“Together, let us build a society that sees widowhood as a cause and not a curse. Empower that poor widow around you today,” she added.
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International Widows’ Day, marked globally on June 23, aims to raise awareness of the plight of widows and advocate for their rights and welfare.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
