Widowhood and Nigerian Womanhood: Another Context of Gendered Poverty in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the phenomenon of widowhood in Nigeria and assessed the negative stereotypes that are associated with being a widow.  These stereotypes are rooted in cultural and traditional practices common in all cultures in Nigeria. They also vary from culture to culture and the degree of intensity also varies culturally. In addition, the levels of education and economic status of widow determines the degree of application or enforcement of practices culturally associated with widowhood. Economically strong and well educated women who are widowed determine or chooses which practices to accept or reject without  incurring the wrath of tradition while poverty stricken widows are compelled to undergo the most vicious forms of widowhood practices. The resultant effect is ingrained poverty of widows in Nigeria, especially in the rural settings. We recommend an out of the woods solution is sustained education for women which would boost their skills from small scale business and employment opportunities that would empower widows to mitigate or challenge a cultural widowhood practice in Nigeria

Keywords: Widowhood, cultural practices, marriage, poverty, religion