By Prosper Mene
On International Widows’ Day, Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, passionately condemned the socio-cultural practices that dehumanize and marginalize widows, calling for a societal shift toward compassion and empowerment. “There is a need to encourage individuals to recognize the struggles widows go through alone and to extend compassion and practical assistance to them,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need to treat widows with dignity and respect.
In a commemorative message, Dr. Soludo described widows as “silent warriors” who endure immense personal loss while continuing to nurture families and communities. She decried harmful practices such as disinheritance, degrading burial rites, and social exclusion, declaring, “A society where widows are still subjected to socio-cultural harms is living in complete barbarism.” Dr. Soludo urged collective action to dismantle these barriers, advocating for inclusive policies and grassroots support to protect widows’ rights.
Her remarks align with ongoing efforts in Anambra to combat widowhood malpractices. Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Sir Somtochukwu Udeze, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing laws prohibiting such injustices, calling for the abolition of discriminatory customs. Dr. Soludo’s Healthy Living Initiative continues to champion women’s welfare, including widows, through empowerment programs and advocacy.
This International Widows’ Day, Dr. Soludo’s call to action resonates globally, urging communities to empower widows and end the stigma that compounds their grief. “Widowhood should never equate to the loss of dignity, respect, or basic human rights,” she concluded.
