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Panelist Hetty ter Haar |
Widowhood in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects for Development Felicia A. D. Oyekanmi, Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria Widowhood occurs when an individual
loses his/her marital partner through death. Although it is a natural
phenomenon, its social implication in several cultural settings varies
greatly. Widowhood is more traumatic on the wife than the husband and
its effects are further complicated by the socio-economic characteristics
of the individuals. Where the widow is medically challenged this aggravates
the ability of the individual to cope with ensuring challenges of daily
existence. The paper takes a critical look at the situation of widows
in Nigeria and concludes that governments, NGOs and concerned individuals
should embark on special projects to meet the needs of these men and
women but more so for the latter in order to enhance the sustainable
development. |