Stakeholders have thrown their weight behind a proposed legislation seeking to make provisions for widowhood leave to be given to both men and women who have lost their spouses.
Their position was stated during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs chaired Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos) on Monday.
The proposed legislation gives widows and widowers a leave of 5 months to enable them time and space to grieve, seek counseling, and adjust to their current realities.
In his remarks, Hon. Abdullahi Saidu Musa (APC, Niger) the sponsor of the bill said the loss of a spouse is an experience that is unimaginable social, financial and familiar challenges. Unfortunately Nigeria’s labour laws do not explicitly provide for widowhood leave. Thereby leaving many grieving spouses to struggle with both personal loss and work responsibilities.
“This bill, which was presented and scaled its first reading on July 27, 2023, seeks to bridge this gap by ensuring that widows and widowers are granted adequate time off work to grieve by reorganizing their lives, and fully religious and cultural obligations without fear of losing their jobs or income.”
The Niger State lawmaker who doubles as the Deputy Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Finance also said the “Widowhood Leave Bill” when assented to will greatly contribute to the emotional healing of spouses who lose their partners.
On their part, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) represented by the National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim said the bill was worth the while, hence it will enhance the well-being of women.
“We agree with the bill that seeks to introduce widow leave, the legislative arm has clearly demonstrated sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by widows and widowers and are by this development providing them with the unique opportunities to grieve, seek heal counseling, adjust to the new realities and enjoy peaceful closure. We agree that this can significantly contribute to their emotional healing and well-being.”
Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) also supported the proposed legislation. In their submission, the organisation stated that “the Maputo Protocol which Nigeria ratified in 2004, mandates state parties to eliminate discrimination against and uphold the dignity of widows through legal protections and socio-economic support mechanisms.
“By enacting widowhood leave, Nigeria will be advancing compliance with the Maputo Protocol, ensuring equal rights in marriage, and protecting widows from social and economic deprivation.”
Meanwhile, the National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria Princess Edna Azurfa said they support the proposed amendment which seeks to strengthen and protect women and human dignity in Nigeria.
“In contemporary society, bereavement profoundly affects emotional well-being and an individual’s capacity to effectively fulfill work obligations. The death of a spouse places significant psychological burdens on the surviving partner, who must navigate grief while managing immediate practicalities such as funeral arrangements and financial planning.
“Current Labour policies do not adequately address this critical life event. Employees are often required to return hastily from mourning periods without sufficient time to process their loss, a scenario detrimental both personally and professionally. Establishing widowhood leave would provide essential support during this vulnerable period, facilitating healthier grieving processes while allowing individuals the space needed to manage responsibilities that arise in such challenging times.
