The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, joins the global community to commemorate International Widows Day 2026.
The National Secretary of the association, Comrade Wasilah Ladan, in a Press Release to mark the day, said they use the occasion to amplify the voices of widows, highlight their resilience, and demand urgent action to protect their rights and dignity across Nigeria.
Widows face unique social, economic, and legal challenges. From property grabbing and denial of inheritance to stigma, poverty, and psychological trauma, many are left vulnerable at a time they need support the most. These realities deny them the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson of NAWOJ, said,
“International Widows Day is a reminder that widows are not invisible. They are mothers, entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors. As journalists, we have a duty to change the narrative from one of pity to one of power, resilience, and inclusion. Governments, traditional institutions, and civil society must enact and enforce laws that safeguard widows’ rights to inheritance, property, and participation. We must also end all forms of harmful traditional practices that degrade and impoverish widows
NAWOJ Leader emphasized legal protection & Enforcement Full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and state-level laws that protect widows from disinheritance, abuse, and harmful widowhood rites and also stressed the importance of
Economic Empowerment, targeted skills training, access to grants, soft loans, and entrepreneurship support to help widows achieve financial independence.
NAWOJ further stressed the need for Social Inclusion & Sensitization Community and media campaigns to challenge stigmatization and change negative cultural perceptions about widowhood.
The association further stressed need for psychosocial support access to counseling and mental health services to help widows cope with grief and trauma.
NAWOJ called on the government to generate accurate data on widows to inform inclusive policies and social protection programs.
As the voice of women in media, NAWOJ pledges to continue ethical and responsible reportage that centers widows’ stories, exposes abuses, and promotes policies that restore their dignity.
This International Widows Day, let us all commit to building a society where no woman is punished twice first by loss and then by injustice.
