SILENT TEARS BEHIND RECYCLED OBNOXIOUS TRADITIONAL WIDOWHOOD PRACTICES IN NIGERIA: AN INTERPRETIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Abstract
This study investigated the silent tears behind recycled obnoxious traditional widowhood practices in Nigeria. The age-long widowhood practices are embedded in trauma-laced traditional norms, negatively affecting the well-being of widows in Nigeria. This study adopted an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) qualitative design. Twenty-five (25) widows voluntarily participated in this study using snowball sampling techniques from different widows’ support groups. A semi-structured interview was used to obtain information from all participants. This enables widows to share their lived experiences of various traditional widowhood practices, which were regarded as obnoxious and dehumanizing to them. Data collection was conducted in seven (7) steps, using semi-structured interviews. It was concluded that recycled obnoxious traditional widowhood practices in Nigeria, as expressed by widows, are cruel treatments, financial constraints, loss of companions, disinheritance, sexual concerns, and assault/exploitation. It was recommended, among others, that, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5, there should be a well-grounded legal framework that promotes gender equality, eradicates gender-based discrimination, and empowers all women.
References
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explanations for its causation, Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18 (6), 611-619.
Ambasa-Shisanya, C. (2007). Widowhood in the era of HIV/AIDS: a case study of Slaya District, Kenya. Sahara-
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Kenya. Sexuality and Culture, 11(3), 32-50.
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western Kenya: The impact of sexual cleansing rituals on sexual behaviours. Cult Health Sex.
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Journal of Developing Societies, 7(2), 1-8.
He, L., Tang, S., Yu, W., Xu, W., Xie, Q., & Wang, J. (2014). The prevalence, comorbidity and risks of
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Idoniboyeobu, F. O. & Obiechina, g. (2018). Widowhood Practices Implication And Rights Of Women In
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husbands-so-often-die-before-their-wives/
Kamunyu, R. N. & Makena, V. (2020). Psychosocial and Economic Challenges Encountered by Widows and
Their Effect on Self-esteem. A Case of Githunguchu Sublocation, Gatundu Sub-County, Kenya. IOSR
Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 25(2), 44-62.
Kebede, T. S., & Zeleke, M. (2019). Challenges and violations of women rights in ‘Naata’(widow inheritance)
marriage practice among boro shinasha in Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Ethiopia. MOJ Women’s
Health, 8(1), 89-97.
Khosa-Nkatini, H. P. (2022). Patriarchal nature of mourning from an African perspective. HTS Teologiese
Studies/Theological Studies, 78(2).
Kiwala, R., & Olanya, I. (2023). Widows’ Vulnerability: A Descriptive Study of Neglect and Emotional Factors
as effects of widowhood. A case study of Solwezi District, Zambia. ICCCM Journal of Social Sciences
and Humanities, 2(1), 11-43.
Korang-Okrah, R., & Haight, W. (2014). Ghanaian (Akan) women’s experiences of widowhood and property
rights violations: An ethnographic inquiry. Qualitative Social Work, 14(2), 224-241.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325014526275 (Original work published 2015).
Manti, S., & Licari, A. (2018). How to obtain informed consent for research. Breathe, 14(2), 145-152.
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Kota District. International Journal Multidisciplinary (IJMI), 2(2), 187-198.
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Qualitative Study. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 87(3), 977-998.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228211072965 (Original work published 2023)
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Multidisciplinary Approach & Studies, 2(2).
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Sociology, John Wiley & Sons, pp.441–442.
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Adventist ecclesiology: A case of Itumbe station, South Kenya conference. Journal of Philosophy and
Religion (JPR), 2(1), 101-120.
Muhammed, S. A., & Idowu, A. I. (2020). Grief reactions of bereaved spouses in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara
State, Nigeria. Covenant International Journal of Psychology, 5(1).
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it”: The continued violation of widows from the Luo community of Kenya through sexual cleansing
rituals. Frontiers in Global Women's Health, 3, 942635.
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Practices against Widows among the Igbos in Nigeria. African Journal of Humanities and
Contemporary Education Research. 18. 320-349. 10.62154/ajhcer.2025.018.010708.
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SSRN 3092072.
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Nigeria. AKU: An African Journal of Contemporary Research, 4(3).
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among widowed women in Siaya county, Kenya in the last decade, 2011–2022. BMC Public Health 25,
3305 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24268-w
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survived neo-liberalism of the 20th century? Journal of Commonwealth Law, 3.101-125.
Oguche, T.E., AFu, O.M., & Osagie, M. (2024). influence of harmful widowhood practices on widows in Nigeria:
implications for Guidance. International Journal of Journal of Humanities and Social Policy, 10(4), 1-
20
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widowhood and stress on life satisfaction of older Nigerian widows. Journal of Professional Counselling
and Psychotherapy Research, 3(3).
Oniye, A. O., Adegboyega, L. O., Adeboye, A. and Akinduyo, T. E. (2016). Loneliness and Adjustment Strategies
of Elderly Widows as perceived by participants in Ondo-State: Implication for Counselling. Malaysian
Journal of Counselling, 3(1), 28-37.
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(eds) Perspectives on Elderly Crime and Victimization. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-
319-72682-3_11
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for Widows and Womenfolk. World Journal of Educational Research, 3. 380. 10.22158/wjer.v3n2p380.
Ajayi, L. A., Olanrewaju, F. O., Olanrewaju, A., & Nwannebuife, O. (2019). Gendered violence and human rights:
An evaluation of widowhood rites in Nigeria. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 6(1).
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2019.1676569
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A Scoping Review. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 0(0).
https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228241252857
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explanations for its causation, Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18 (6), 611-619.
Ambasa-Shisanya, C. (2007). Widowhood in the era of HIV/AIDS: a case study of Slaya District, Kenya. Sahara-
J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS, 4(2), 606-615.
Amlor, M. Q. & Owusu, X. A. (2016). Widowhood practices of the Gbi Northern Ewe of Ghana: a curse or
blessing for African womanhood? African Research Review, 10(5), 64.
https://doi.org/10.4314/afrrev.v10i5.5
Amornkul P.N., De Cock K.M., Hightower A., Mwaengo D., Nasokho P., Odhiambo F., Vandenhoudt H. (2009)
‘HIV Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Individuals Aged 13–34 Years in Rural Western
Kenya’, PLoS ONE 4(7): 1–11.
Amoo, E. O., Adekola, P. O., Adesina, E., Adekeye, O. A., Onayemi, O. O. & Gberevbie, M. A. (2022). Young
Single Widow, Dynamics of In-Laws Interference and Coping Mechanisms: Simplicity–Parsimony
Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(16), 10117.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610117
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significance of the sexual cleansing ritual and its impact on HIV prevention strategies in western
Kenya. Sexuality and Culture, 11(3), 32-50.
Ayikukwei R, Ngare D, Sidle J, Ayuku D, Baliddawa J, Greene J. (2008). HIV/AIDS and cultural practices in
western Kenya: The impact of sexual cleansing rituals on sexual behaviours. Cult Health Sex.
10:587–99. doi: 10.1080/13691050802012601
Bawono, Y. (2023). Emotional Resilience: Exploring Emotional Regulation in Widows of Forced Marriages.
Buana Gender: Jurnal Studi Gender dan Anak, 9(2),10-18.
https://ejournal.uinsaid.ac.id/index.php/buana-gender
Bonthuys, E. (2021). Death of the Breadwinner and the Continuation of the Duty of Spousal Support:
Discrepancies and Inequalities for Different Categories of Surviving Partners. Potchefstroom Electronic
Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad, 23(1). Retrieved from
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/pelj/article/view/216568
Calvi, R. (2020). Why are older women missing in India? The age profile of bargaining power and
poverty. Journal of Political Economy, 128(7), 2453-2501.
Chami, J. M. & Pooley, J. A. (2021). Widowed young: The role of stressors and protective factors for resilience
in coping with spousal loss. Omega, 88(2), 477–504. https://doi.org/10. 1177/00302228211047088
Dube, M. (2023). The challenges facing widows in African contexts: A literature review. International Journal
of Research in Business & Social Science, 12(7).
Essien, E. E. P., Gibson, M.K., Essien, C.K.P. & David, E. (2020). Effects of widowhood practices on the
physiological well-being and socio-economic stability of women in Nigeria. Journal of the Social
Sciences, 48 (3), 568-576.
Eze, O. B., Egwuagu, U. B., & Namani , D. O. (2024). Widowhood and Harmful Traditional Practices against
Women in South East Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Policy and Development
Studies, 15(1), 159–174. https://doi.org/10.4314/jpds.v15i1.11
Fiasorgbor, D. (2018). Widowhood rite: An infringement on the rights of widows in Bongo. International
Journal of Developing Societies, 7(2), 1-8.
He, L., Tang, S., Yu, W., Xu, W., Xie, Q., & Wang, J. (2014). The prevalence, comorbidity and risks of
prolonged grief disorder among bereaved Chinese adults. Psychiatry Research, 219(2), 347–52.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.05.022
Idoniboyeobu, F. O. & Obiechina, g. (2018). Widowhood Practices Implication And Rights Of Women In
Nigeria: Needfor Intervention. Journal of Education in Developing Areas, 26(2), 676-683.
Iheanacho, N. N. (2015). The alienation of Nigerian women in widowhood. Journal of Pan African
Studies, 8(7), 18-40.
International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH).
Integrated addendum to ICH E6(R1): Guideline for Good Clinical Practice E6(R2). Current Step 4
version. Available from: www.ich.org/products/guidelines/efficacy/article/efficacy-guidelines.html Date
last updated: November 9, 2016. Date last accessed: March 22, 2018.
Ishiekwene, A. (2022). Intimations of mortality: Why do husbands so often die before their wives? Daily
Maverick. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2022-01-23- intimations-of-mortality-why-do-
husbands-so-often-die-before-their-wives/
Kamunyu, R. N. & Makena, V. (2020). Psychosocial and Economic Challenges Encountered by Widows and
Their Effect on Self-esteem. A Case of Githunguchu Sublocation, Gatundu Sub-County, Kenya. IOSR
Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 25(2), 44-62.
Kebede, T. S., & Zeleke, M. (2019). Challenges and violations of women rights in ‘Naata’(widow inheritance)
marriage practice among boro shinasha in Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Ethiopia. MOJ Women’s
Health, 8(1), 89-97.
Khosa-Nkatini, H. P. (2022). Patriarchal nature of mourning from an African perspective. HTS Teologiese
Studies/Theological Studies, 78(2).
Kiwala, R., & Olanya, I. (2023). Widows’ Vulnerability: A Descriptive Study of Neglect and Emotional Factors
as effects of widowhood. A case study of Solwezi District, Zambia. ICCCM Journal of Social Sciences
and Humanities, 2(1), 11-43.
Korang-Okrah, R., & Haight, W. (2014). Ghanaian (Akan) women’s experiences of widowhood and property
rights violations: An ethnographic inquiry. Qualitative Social Work, 14(2), 224-241.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325014526275 (Original work published 2015).
Manti, S., & Licari, A. (2018). How to obtain informed consent for research. Breathe, 14(2), 145-152.
Mailana, P., Dasril, D., & Masril, M. (2025). Experience of Becoming A Widow: A Case Study at Lima Puluh
Kota District. International Journal Multidisciplinary (IJMI), 2(2), 187-198.
Mir, A. A., Jahan, Z., & Ahmad, R. (2022). Lived Experiences of Widows of Armed Conflict in Kashmir: A
Qualitative Study. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 87(3), 977-998.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228211072965 (Original work published 2023)
Mishra, P. J. (2015). Women Empowerment: Issues Related To Widowhood. International Journal of
Multidisciplinary Approach & Studies, 2(2).
Meagher, M. (2011). “Patriarchy”, In Ritzer, George & Ryan, J. Michael (eds.), The Concise Encyclopaedia of
Sociology, John Wiley & Sons, pp.441–442.
Moronya, R. N., Ogwora, E., & Ogolla, M. (2023). A paradox of levirate marriage theology in the Seventh Day
Adventist ecclesiology: A case of Itumbe station, South Kenya conference. Journal of Philosophy and
Religion (JPR), 2(1), 101-120.
Muhammed, S. A., & Idowu, A. I. (2020). Grief reactions of bereaved spouses in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara
State, Nigeria. Covenant International Journal of Psychology, 5(1).
Munala, L., Mwangi, E., Harris, M., Okunna, N., Yewhalawork, B., & Ong'ombe, M. (2022). “I was forced into
it”: The continued violation of widows from the Luo community of Kenya through sexual cleansing
rituals. Frontiers in Global Women's Health, 3, 942635.
Nwanmuoh, E. & Okolo-Obasi, N. & Ikpo, K. & Anene, J. & Emeter, P. & Obi, Blessing & Udu, Francisca &
Obi-Okonkwo, Linus & Edeh, Roseline. (2025). Public Relations Strategies and Harmful Cultural
Practices against Widows among the Igbos in Nigeria. African Journal of Humanities and
Contemporary Education Research. 18. 320-349. 10.62154/ajhcer.2025.018.010708.
Nwokike, C. (2017). Widowhood Cleansing Rituals in Mbaukwu: Implications for Policy Makers. Available at
SSRN 3092072.
Obielosi, D., & Okeyi, V. O. (2023). Christian impact on obnoxious traditional widowhood practices in
Nigeria. AKU: An African Journal of Contemporary Research, 4(3).
Odhiambo, J.A., Mizarzardeh, A., Otieno, M. et al. (2025). Widowed and at risk: increasing HIV prevalence
among widowed women in Siaya county, Kenya in the last decade, 2011–2022. BMC Public Health 25,
3305 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24268-w
Odumosu, T. & Opebiyi, Fatimah (2021). Opo-Sisu (Levirate Marriage): to what extent has the Yoruba culture
survived neo-liberalism of the 20th century? Journal of Commonwealth Law, 3.101-125.
Oguche, T.E., AFu, O.M., & Osagie, M. (2024). influence of harmful widowhood practices on widows in Nigeria:
implications for Guidance. International Journal of Journal of Humanities and Social Policy, 10(4), 1-
20
Okoro, C. A., Ojobor, C. S., Nzenweaku, J. U., Kekeocha-Christopher, I. C., & Ishiwu, V. C. (2021). Length of
widowhood and stress on life satisfaction of older Nigerian widows. Journal of Professional Counselling
and Psychotherapy Research, 3(3).
Oniye, A. O., Adegboyega, L. O., Adeboye, A. and Akinduyo, T. E. (2016). Loneliness and Adjustment Strategies
of Elderly Widows as perceived by participants in Ondo-State: Implication for Counselling. Malaysian
Journal of Counselling, 3(1), 28-37.
Platzer, M. (2018). Victimization of Elderly Women, “Witches,” and Widows. In: Kratcoski, P., Edelbacher, M.
(eds) Perspectives on Elderly Crime and Victimization. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-
319-72682-3_11
Sekgobela, G. L., Peu, D. M., & van der Wath, A. E. (2020). Health-support needs of widows in South Africa:
Health-Support Needs of Widows in South Africa: A Phenomenological Inquiry phenomenological
inquiry. Omega, 81(3), 507–522. https://doi.org/10.1177/ 0030222818786416
Shahin, S. (2022). Human Rights of Widows: A Study of Widowhood Practices in a Nigerian
Society. International Journal of General Studies (IJGS), 2(1).
Smith, M. (1990). Smith Patriarchal ideology and wife beating: A test of feminist hypothesis. Violence and
Victims, 5, 257-273.
Smith, J. A. & Fieldsend, M. (2021). Interpretative phenomenological analysis. American Psychological
Association.
Tomkins, L. (2017). Using Interpretative Phenomenological Psychology in Organisational Research with
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Published
2026-03-31
How to Cite
AKINDUYO, Tosin Emmanuel.
SILENT TEARS BEHIND RECYCLED OBNOXIOUS TRADITIONAL WIDOWHOOD PRACTICES IN NIGERIA: AN INTERPRETIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS.
Mandala Of Health, [S.l.], v. 19, n. 1, p. 1-15, mar. 2026.
ISSN 2615-6954.
Available at: <https://jos.unsoed.ac.id/index.php/mandala/article/view/19193>. Date accessed: 01 apr. 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.20884/1.mandala.2026.19.1.19193.
Section
Articles
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