Wife of the Anambra State Governor and Convener of the Healthy Living Initiative, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called on Nigerians to shift their perception of widowhood from one of pity or curse to a cause worthy of collective action and support.
In a message commemorating International Widows’ Day 2025, themed “Empower Her: From Loss to Leadership,” Soludo urged citizens to prioritise the empowerment, dignity, and inclusion of widows in society.
Marked annually on June 23, the day draws attention to the systemic challenges many widows face globally, including economic hardship, social isolation, stigma, and a lack of legal and financial protections.
Soludo lamented that in many cultures, widowhood still comes with unjust social and cultural burdens.
“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,” she stated.
She stressed that widowhood should never lead to the erosion of basic human rights or personal dignity.
“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 added.
Calling for broader societal support, she urged Nigerians to show empathy and provide tangible help to widows around them.
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“Together, let us build a society that sees widowhood as a cause and not a curse. Empower that poor widow around you today.”
Her message reinforces the global call for the protection of widows’ rights and highlights the urgent need to break the silence and stereotypes surrounding widowhood.
