Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged Nigerians to see widowhood as a cause worth supporting rather than a curse, by taking actions to empower widows in society.
Soludo, Convener of Healthy Living Initiative, made the call in a message on Monday in Awka, to mark International Widows’ Day 2025, with the theme – ‘Empower Her: From Loss to Leadership’.
International Widows’ Day is commemorated every June 23 to examine some issues affecting widows around the world and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights.
She lamented that in many cultures, widowhood was still marred by stigma, isolation, economic struggles, social exclusion and limited financial independence.
According to her, there is a need to encourage individuals to recognise the struggles widows often face alone, and to extend compassion and practical assistance to them.
“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
“Being a widow should never equate to loss of dignity, respect and basic human rights.
“A society where widows are still subjected to socio-cultural harms is living in complete barbarism. Losing one’s spouse is already enough harm.
“Together, let us build a society that sees widowhood as a cause and not a curse. Empower that poor widow around you today,” she said.
