In this episode of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) tracker, the focus is on widowhood to women safety, examining key bills and motions that aim to protect and empower vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
About the Widowhood Leave Bill
The Nigerian legislature has taken a significant step in addressing the often-overlooked struggles of grieving spouses through the proposed Widowhood Leave Bill sponsored by Rep. Abdullahi Saidu Musa (APC, Niger).
In a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs chaired by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos), this bill seeks to provide five months of paid leave for widows and widowers, granting them time to grieve, seek counseling, and adjust to their new realities without fear of job insecurity.
More than just a labour policy, the bill is a landmark piece that aligns with Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles, ensuring workplace inclusivity, mental well-being, and socio-economic stability for affected individuals.
Gender Sensitivity in Labour Laws
Nigeria’s current labour laws do not explicitly provide for widowhood leave, despite the severe social, emotional, and financial impact of losing a spouse. This gap disproportionately affects women, who often face economic hardships, social stigmatization, and cultural discrimination upon widowhood. The bill ensures equal workplace protections for both widows and widowers, preventing job loss due to bereavement.
The widowhood leave bill aligns with international standards such as the Maputo Protocol by acknowledging the emotional and psychological toll of losing a spouse and providing support structures that enable individuals to return to work in a healthy state of mind.
A Progressive Step Toward Social Inclusion
One of the most inclusive aspects of the bill is that it extends widowhood leave to both men and women, acknowledging the evolving dynamics of family roles. Traditionally, women have been seen as the primary caregivers, but modern realities show that men also experience emotional and financial distress when they lose their spouses. By ensuring that widowers receive equal leave provisions, the bill challenges gender stereotypes and fosters a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment.
This bill marks a bold step toward gender equality, social inclusion, and mental health awareness. It addresses the unique challenges of widows and widowers, promoting economic stability, mental well-being, and alignment with global gender commitments. As Nigeria advances its labour laws, it reinforces its commitment to a more inclusive and empathetic society.
A Call to Halt Femicide and Gender-Based Violence
Nigeria is grappling with a rising wave of homicidal and femicidal acts, underscoring a deeply entrenched crisis of gender-based violence, impunity, and a failing justice system. As highlighted in a recent motion presented in the House of Representatives by Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers), Rep. Faleke James Abiodun (APC, Lagos), Rep. Ogah Amobi Godwin (LP, Abia), and Rep. Manu Soro Mansur (PDP, Bauchi), the alarming frequency of violent crimes, particularly against women and girls, demands urgent national attention and systemic reforms.
Understanding the Crisis
Homicide, including femicide—the targeted killing of women and girls due to their gender—has reached a critical level in Nigeria. A disturbing pattern has emerged, where women are raped, murdered, or used for ritual purposes, and young girls fall victim to brutal acts of violence. The catalogue of cases presented in the House motion, from Patience Adibe’s murder in 2020 to the raping and murder of Iniobong Umoren in April 2021, to the ritual killing of Oghenefejiro Regha in August 2023, to the gruesome killing of Chioma Nwana in January 2025, is a stark reminder of the systemic violence that disproportionately affects women and girls. This pattern reflects the intersection of patriarchy, economic desperation, and institutional failure, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive GESI approach to justice and accountability.
READ ALSO: Reps Demands Special Courts for Femicide and Homicide Cases
Barriers to Justice and Social Protection for Victims
One of the most pressing challenges in addressing homicide and femicide is the inefficiency of Nigeria’s judicial and law enforcement systems. The motion highlighted delays in prosecution, overcrowded correctional facilities, and the loss of crucial evidence, all of which contributed to prolonged trials and the erosion of public confidence in the justice system.
High-profile cases such as Chidinma Ojukwu’s ongoing trial for the murder of Usifo Ataga and the infamous kidnapper Evans receiving a scholarship despite facing murder charges exemplify the structural weaknesses and lack of accountability within the judicial system.
Women and girls, particularly those from marginalised communities, lower socio-economic backgrounds, and rural areas, face additional barriers to justice. Stigma, cultural norms that silence victims and lack of financial resources often prevent families from pursuing legal recourse. This underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive judicial reforms, improved access to legal aid, and protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups.
A GESI-Centered Approach to Femicidal Violence
To effectively combat these heinous crimes, Nigeria must adopt a GESI approach in line with the resolution of the House which involves:
- The National Judicial Council (NJC) must facilitate the creation of special court divisions dedicated to handling homicide, femicide, and gender-based violence cases. Fast-tracking such cases will prevent prolonged trials and impunity for perpetrators.
- Security agencies must prioritise gender-sensitive training to properly investigate and prosecute cases involving murder, sexual violence, and ritual killings. A specialised homicide and femicide task force should be established to handle such cases with the urgency they deserve.
- Religious organizations, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), civil society groups, and traditional leaders should drive nationwide campaigns to instill ethical values, promote gender equality, and educate communities on the consequences of gender-based violence. These campaigns must also challenge harmful cultural practices that fuel femicide and ritual killings.
- Beyond legal action, social protection mechanisms, including counseling services, financial support for victims’ families, and community reintegration programs, must be strengthened to address the long-term impact of these crimes.
- Many femicidal acts are linked to economic desperation, ritual practices, and gender-based discrimination. Programmes that improve women’s access to education, financial independence, and economic security should be prioritized as this will help mitigate vulnerabilities that expose them to targeted violence.
A National Call to Action
As the House of Representatives moves forward with this critical motion, it is imperative that all stakeholders—including the judiciary, law enforcement, civil society, and policymakers—commit to implementing gender-sensitive reforms that will ensure swift justice for victims, protection for potential targets, and an end to impunity for perpetrators.
The establishment of specialized judicial divisions, the prioritization of homicide investigations, and nationwide ethical reorientation campaigns are fundamental steps towards achieving a safer, more just Nigeria for all citizens, regardless of gender or social status.
The fight against homicide and femicide in Nigeria is not just a security or judicial concern—it is a human rights issue that demands urgent, coordinated, and sustained action. This is a defining moment to uphold the right to life, dignity, and security for all Nigerians, particularly women and girls who remain the most vulnerable to these brutal acts of violence.
