The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has thrown its weight behind moves to grant both men and women five months of widowhood leave to mourn deceased spouses.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), and several other stakeholders also endorsed the move on Monday during a public hearing on a bill aimed at achieving the objective, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, chaired by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos).
The proposed legislation seeks to grant widows and widowers a leave of five months to enable them time and space to grieve, seek counseling, and adjust to the reality of losing their loved ones.
The sponsor of the proposed legislation, Hon. Abdullahi Saidu Musa (APC, Niger), who described the loss of a spouse as an experience that comes with social, financial, and familial challenges, remarked that it is unfortunate that Nigeria’s labor laws do not explicitly provide for widowhood leave.
The Niger-born lawmaker explained that the proposed legislation, his bill, which scaled its first reading stage on July 27, 2023, would bridge this gap by ensuring that widows and widowers are granted adequate time off work to grieve and overcome the pains in line with their religious and cultural obligations and doctrines.
NAWOJ, represented by the National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim, said the bill was worth the while, as it will enhance the well-being of women.
“We agree with the bill that seeks to introduce widow leave. The legislative arm has clearly demonstrated sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by widows and widowers, and by this development, providing them with the unique opportunities to grieve, seek healing, counseling, adjust to the new realities, and enjoy peaceful closure. We agree that this can significantly contribute to their emotional healing and well-being.”
WRAPA also supported the proposed legislation. In their submission, the organisation stated that “the Maputo Protocol, which Nigeria ratified in 2004, mandates state parties to eliminate discrimination against and uphold the dignity of widows through legal protections and socio-economic support mechanisms.
The group said, “By enacting widowhood leave, Nigeria will be advancing compliance with the Maputo Protocol, ensuring equal rights in marriage, and protecting widows from social and economic deprivation.”
Meanwhile, the National President of the NCWS, Princess Edna Azurfa, said they support the proposed amendment, which seeks to strengthen and protect women and human dignity in Nigeria.
She said, “In contemporary society, bereavement profoundly affects emotional well-being and an individual’s capacity to effectively fulfill work obligations. The death of a spouse places significant psychological burdens on the surviving partner, who must navigate grief while managing immediate practicalities such as funeral arrangements and financial planning.
“Current labor policies do not adequately address this critical life event. Employees are often required to return hastily from mourning periods without sufficient time to process their loss, a scenario detrimental both personally and professionally.
“Establishing widowhood leave would provide essential support during this vulnerable period, facilitating healthier grieving processes while allowing individuals the space needed to manage responsibilities that arise in such challenging times.”(Guardian)
