Widowhood Practices among Igbos of South Eastern Nigeria as a Betrayal of the Fundamental Human Rights of Women

Abstract

This study is a survey research which investigated the existing state of widowhood practices in five Igbo states of south eastern Nigeria namely: Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Imo states which violate the fundamental human rights of women through culturally prescribed seclusions. Two hundred and fifty (250) widows were randomly used for the study. The findings are that widowhood practice in the present age is existent in Igboland. The embrace of religion, education and modernisation did not put a stop to this social practice. Igbo women are not comfortable with this social seclusion practice and have not put up stiff opposition in terms of protests and court litigations. In addition, the state is incapable of abrogating widowhood practices since it is culturally established, furthermore, it cannot be abrogated in Igboland, however the penalties on women are reduced. Also, the significance of the study and the recommendations are addressed.

LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research, 8(2), 72-83, 2011