'Woman, but not human': widowhood practices and human rights violations in Nigeria
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Abstract
This article examines the implications of widowhood practices for the enjoyment
of women’s fundamental rights and freedoms in Nigeria. The article
discusses the effects of 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.
Description
Keywords
Nigeria, Womens rights, Gender equality, Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women (African Women’s Protocol)
Citation
Durojaye, E. (2012). 'Woman, but not human': widowhood practices and human rights violations in Nigeria. International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, 27(2): 176-196