The Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Anambra State Chapter, Barrister Amara Muojeke, has called for stronger protection of widows’ rights and greater economic empowerment to help them live with dignity and independence.
Speaking in Awka, as the world marked the 2026 International Widows’ Day, Barrister Muojeke explained that June 23 every year is set aside globally to draw attention to the plight of millions of widows and advocate for the protection of their welfare and fundamental rights.
She noted that the 2026 theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Empowerment of Widows,” is particularly significant in Nigeria and Anambra State due to the challenges widows continue to face, including harmful cultural practices, disinheritance, and property grabbing.
According to Muojeke, who is also the Anambra State Leader of the NBA Women Forum, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the dignity of every human person under Section 34, stressing that widows deserve fairness, respect, and protection under the law, while adding that economic empowerment remains critical, as financially independent widows are better positioned to care for their children and resist exploitation.
Mrs. Muojeke explained that Anambra State has laws prohibiting harmful widowhood practices, including the Malpractices Against Widows and Widowers (Prohibition) Law of 2005 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2017, which criminalizes widowhood abuses and prescribes penalties, including imprisonment.
She encouraged widows not to suffer in silence whenever their rights are violated, but to seek legal redress, noting that FIDA provides free legal services to widows across the country.
