Woman, but not human: widowhood practices and human rights violations in Nigeria

Woman, but not human: widowhood practices and human rights violations in Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines widowhood practices in Nigeria and its implications for the enjoyment of women’s fundamental rights and freedoms. The article dis- cusses the effects of the socio-cultural and legal structures of Nigeria for gender equality. It argues that the plural legal system in the country, which encourages the application of statutory law side by side with customary law, can potentially undermine women’s fundamental rights. The article then discusses specific human rights of women, particularly the rights to dignity and non-discrimination that are threatened by widowhood practices. In conclusion, it is argued that since Nigeria has ratified international and regional human rights instruments such as the Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women (African Women’s Protocol), it is obligated to take appropriate steps and measures to eradicate harmful cultural practices that may violate women’s rights.

Introduction

Across the world gender inequality remains the norm and women have continued to encounter discriminatory practices as a result of religious and cultural practices. In some parts of the world, particularly Africa, women are still treated like minors and sometimes as second class citizens that are only to be seen and not to be heard (Tamale, 2004; Ssenyenjo 2007). The situation is often compounded in many parts of Africa where patriarchal tradition undermines women’s fundamental human rights. Cultural practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting, widow cleansing, son preference and others are not only demeaning of women but also perpetuate gender inequality. Due to culture and religion, women are assigned different roles in society and are confined to the role of childbearing and homemaking (Mama, 1997; Eboh, 1998). Also, the continued observance of harmful cultural practices has remained threats to women’s health and well-being. It is a cause for concern that despite efforts made at the international, regional, and national levels to address gender inequality, women have continued to face discriminatory practices in almost every facet of human endeavour. This in turn can have serious consequences for women’s empowerment and development.

Gender relations of power constitute one of the root causes of gender inequality and are among the most influential of the social determinants of health (Cook et al, 2003). Gender inequality may lead to human rights violations, perpetuation of stereotypes, and exclusion of women from political and economic participation. It should be borne in mind that gender inequality not only leads to human rights violations but may also have implications for the overall development of a nation (Mukasa, 2008). Realising the importance of gender equality to socio-economic development, the international community in the Millennium Declaration agreed to eliminate gender inequality in, every aspect of human endeavour by 2015.1

Ordinarily, widowhood ought to evoke sympathy, empathy, and sup- port from others. However, the situation of widows in Africa is disturbing due to the harrowing experiences they encounter. In addition to the common experience of loss, they have had to put up with other challenges such as deprivation, helplessness, and hopelessness brought about by harmful cultural practices.

Woman, but not human: widowhood practices and human rights violations in Nigeria

Chapters: 1 - 5
Delivery: Email

Number of Pages: 68

Price: 3000 NGN

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