ABSTRACT
This research work titled “The Problem Encountered By The Widow In Kaduna South” this research is carry out to examine the problem of widow and their relationship with their husband’s relations, a large number of the widows claimed to be in conflict with their husbands’ relations. This may not be unconnected with frictions, which arise in an attempt by their husband’s relations at trying to disposes them. The study also shows that majority of the widows do not have sufficient education and hence not empowered before their husbands’ death. This in effect contributes to the major problems, which affect most of the widows.On sources of support for the widows and their children,majority of the widows are farmers and petty trades and do not have other sources of support apart from themselves. A social survey was adopted in carrying out this project with a sample size of 50 was selected for this research work. The study recommends the active involvement of government, churches, widows’relations and friends and social workers in assisting the widows. What the work achieves is the mapping out of welfare packages for widows, which if adopted by government, will be very helpful in solving the problem of widows. This research hopes to be a major contribution to the growing literature on widowhood and gender issues.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Widowhood is seriously attracting attention professionals in Nigeria. This is because of cultural factors associated with women aer the death of their husband. This project examines the problem encountered by widow in Kaduna south Local Government Kaduna. Widowhood is one of the events of life, which women go through. It is the loss of a husband, breadwinner and supporter. According to Saba (19)7), (his event, is usually followed by a period of bereavement after which the woman begins to adjust to the loss, and plans for her future and the future of her children. There is no doubt that widowhood is a big problem, which is affecting a large percentage of women today. As we all know, a highly dependent woman may Find it very difficult carrying on the daily responsibilities of her family all alone. This is because she has been used to her husband providing for the family. This, in effect, explains why in most cases, the woman will be too confused to know that she is supposed to come to terms with the fact that she can never bring her husband back to life, and as such, should start thinking about how to adjust to her new role as the head of the family.
Apart from the initial psychological effects of widowhood, there are also long-term effects of widowhood on women (Saba 1997). Bodge (1950); Holden and Kuo (1906) opines that widowhood has been noted ( be accompanied by a drop in economic well—being of women and according to Saba (1997), this drop in economic well-being is usually very stressful for women because traditionally, the men are supposed to be the breadwinner and provider. When the woman suddenly finds herself occupying this role, she is likely to become so tensed up and confused, that if she is not counseled, she and her children may end up suering throughout their lifetime. In many parts of Nigeria, widowhood has been identified as a form of social problem. It debases womanhood as well as creates economic instability and uncertainty for both widows and their children.
Most widows’ problems start immediately aer the pronouncement of their husbands’ death. In some cases, the relatives do demand for documents of their husbands’ property and even go to the extent of dispossessing them of their husbands’ bank accounts. Widows and their children arc maltreated by their husbands/fathers’ relations. They arc treated as if they have no right to exist. This maltreatment usually leads to psychological breakdown of the widow. Her children not le. Out as most of them are withdrawn from school because their mother has been dispossessed of all she has. This type of neglect results in the children of the widow becoming societal deviants as they may seek solace in gangs and involve themselves in some forms of deviant behavior.
1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
In Kaduna south local government just like in many other states of Nigeria, widowhood practices are seen as serious problems, which also have serious implications to widows, their children, and the society. Many widows arc made to go through a series of dehumanizing treatment, which according to the people who administer these practices, is to purify the widow against some ill luck, which are associated with widowhood. This treatment affects the widows physically, psychologically and emotionally, thereby causing havoc to them. It has also been observed that most widows are dispossessed of their husbands’ property in the event of their husbands’ death. This affects both the widows and their children adversely.
Even more is that most of the widows arc not economically empowered before the death of their husbands. This most times, could lead to their children being withdrawn from school because their mother has been dispossessed of all her possessions. This development could have negative impact on the children of the widows. This study therefore investigates the various effects of widowhood practices on the widows in Kaduna south local government with the aim of suggesting intervention, which if implemented, will help the widows and their children cope with everyday living.
