‘Plead the case of the widow’ (Isaiah 1:17): The stigma of widowhood in eastern Nigeria and the needed faith-based interventions

Abstract

Even though it is the 21st century, where education and scientific advancements have changed the face of the modern society, age-old customs and traditions continue to encourage gender-based violence in Igbo land. While research has paid much attention to widowhood in Nigeria, this study lays greater emphasis on the experiences of widows, specifically in Eastern Nigeria. The qualitative study conducted using the phenomenological approach also analysed some verses from the Old Testament that deal with care for widows. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 informants who were selected purposefully and data analysed thematically. Findings show that the stigma that widows suffer includes the widow being accused of killing the husband, the widow being accused of being hostile to the in-laws when the husband was alive, the widow being pushed into abject poverty, and the widow being isolated from friends and family. Widows are also subjected to physical, mental, and sexual abuse leading to increased attempts to commit suicide. The experiences of widows have been sustained by traditional leaders, church groups, and the government due to a lack of political will and silence on the part of the victims. It is concluded that there is need for a serious campaign for the protection of widows in eastern Nigeria by traditional rulers, church leaders and faith-based organizations.