Stakeholders Back Proposed Widowhood Leave For Grieving Spouses

Stakeholders have expressed strong support for a proposed bill that aims to provide widowhood leave for both men and women who have lost their spouses.

This stance was shared during a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, led by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos), on Monday.

The proposed legislation seeks to grant widows and widowers a five-month leave, offering them the necessary time and space to grieve, undergo counseling, and adjust to their new circumstances.

In his remarks, Hon. Abdullahi Saidu Musa (APC, Niger), the sponsor of the bill, emphasized that the loss of a spouse is an unimaginable experience, bringing profound social, financial, and familial challenges. He noted that, unfortunately, Nigeria’s labor laws do not explicitly provide for widowhood leave, leaving many grieving spouses to struggle with both personal loss and work responsibilities.

He further explained that the bill, which was presented and passed its first reading on July 27, 2023, aims to address this gap by ensuring that widows and widowers are granted adequate time off work to grieve, reorganize their lives, and fulfill religious and cultural obligations without the fear of losing their jobs or income.

Rep. Musa stated that the proposed legislation seeks to provide a supportive framework for individuals coping with the loss of a spouse, allowing them the necessary time to heal and manage their responsibilities during such a challenging period.

The Niger State lawmaker, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, emphasized that the “Widowhood Leave Bill,” once passed into law, will significantly aid in the emotional healing of spouses who lose their partners.

Speaking in support of the bill, Aisha Ibrahim, the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), affirmed that the proposed legislation is valuable. She believes it will greatly contribute to the overall well-being of women, providing much-needed support during difficulties.

“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.