Critical stakeholders in Benue State North Central Nigeria have joined the call for action to provide the legal framework to protect the fundamental human rights of widows and also for women to have a seat at the decision making table at the traditional level.
Wife of the State Governor, Eunice Ortom championed the course during a consultative forum with widow groups along with major Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) religious and socio cultural leaders in Makurdi Benue State capital.
State Chairperson, Gender Based Violence (GBV) Advocacy and Implementation, Magdalene Dura disclosed plans to Set up a commission for rehabilitation of widows in the State.
Eliminating harmful widowhood practices and possibility of women inclusion in traditional leadership are the concerns that necessitated this gathering.
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A move welcomed by representatives of civil society groups as well as socio cultural organisations which they say will help ameliorate the worrisome plight of widows in the State.
The proposed legislation will safeguard widows from violent and evil customary practices, denial of property rights, rape, forced marriages amongst others.
( Editor, Omor Bazuaye )
