The Wife of the Anambra State Governor and Founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called for increased support, protection and empowerment for widows, urging Nigerians to stand in solidarity with women who have lost their spouses and often face social and economic challenges.
In a message marking the 2026 International Widows’ Day commemorated on June 23, Dr. Soludo described widows as symbols of resilience, strength and courage, stressing the need for society to ensure that no woman suffers discrimination, exclusion or indignity because of the loss of a spouse.
She said widows deserve compassion, respect and opportunities that would enable them to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
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“Widows are symbols of resilience, strength and unwavering courage. As a society, we must continue to support, protect and empower them, ensuring that no woman is left behind or subjected to hate and indignity because of the loss of a spouse,” she stated.
The Anambra First Lady urged governments, institutions, communities and individuals to reaffirm their commitment to promoting the welfare of widows through policies and programmes that enhance their social and economic well-being.
According to her, many widows across Nigeria continue to bear enormous burdens silently, including raising children alone, providing for their families and coping with emotional trauma following the death of their husbands.
She noted that these challenges are often compounded by financial hardship, social stigma and limited access to economic opportunities, making collective support and intervention imperative.
Dr. Soludo also commended faith-based organisations, community groups, charitable foundations and well-meaning Nigerians who continue to support widows through welfare programmes, skills acquisition initiatives and economic empowerment schemes.
She said such interventions help restore hope, improve livelihoods and provide a pathway to self-reliance for widows and their dependents.
The First Lady further noted that International Widows’ Day serves as a reminder of the need to uphold the rights, dignity and well-being of widows, many of whom face poverty, discrimination and social exclusion after losing their spouses.
This year’s observance highlights the importance of making widows more visible in policy discussions and social interventions, while advancing calls for social inclusion, economic empowerment, legal protection and the elimination of harmful practices that undermine their rights and dignity.
International Widows’ Day, observed annually on June 23, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the challenges faced by widows and their children and to encourage actions aimed at improving their welfare worldwide.
