As the world commemorates 2025 International Widows’ Day, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Sir Somtochukwu Udeze, has reaffirmed the State Legislature’s commitment to protecting the rights of widows.
He emphasised that the law prohibiting widowhood malpractices and related injustices remains active and enforceable in Anambra State.
In a goodwill message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Madu, Speaker Udeze called on traditional rulers across the state to abolish all harmful cultural practices, discriminatory laws, and degrading customs targeting widows in their communities.
“Widows deserve full enjoyment of their fundamental human rights. They are equal, valuable members of society and should be treated as such,” the Speaker stated, urging governments at all levels to strengthen advocacy, protection frameworks, and empowerment programs for widows.
He further called on legislative bodies in the South-East geopolitical zone to collaborate on a regional law aimed at restoring and safeguarding widows’ rights, noting that collective action is needed to effect lasting change.
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Speaker Udeze commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the First Lady, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for prioritizing women’s welfare in Anambra, especially issues affecting widows, describing their efforts as a model for other states.
He also appealed to wealthy individuals and philanthropists to support widows through direct intervention and empowerment initiatives, encouraging widows themselves to remain hopeful and resilient.
“The time has come to end the ugly narratives of disinheritance, dehumanizing burial rites, and other abuses widows face,” he said.
He proposed the establishment of a Widowhood Endowment Trust Fund as a long-term solution to improve the welfare and economic security of widows in the state.