‘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
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
Widowhood practices, Women’s fundamental rights, Nigeria
Citation
Durojaye, E. (2013). ‘Woman, but not human’: widowhood practices and human rights violations in Nigeria. International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, 27(2): 176 – 196.