The Upper East Region joined the global community on June 23, 2025, to commemorate International Widows Day with a passionate appeal to abolish degrading widowhood rites and promote dignity, inclusion, and protection for widows and orphans.
Held under the theme “Shining Light on the Hidden Struggles of Invisible Women for Inclusive Development,” the event spotlighted cultural practices that continue to marginalize widows, particularly in communities within the BONABOTO area.
The Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), which led the commemoration, featured moving testimonies, advocacy speeches, and the premiere of a hard-hitting animated film depicting the emotional and physical abuse widows suffer.
The film highlighted cruel customs such as forced head shaving, public nudity, and bans on basic hygiene during mourning periods.
Addressing the gathering, WOM Executive Director Madam Fati Abigail Abdulai emphasized the urgency of change.
“Today is International Widows and Orphans Day, and we want to use the occasion to outline the challenges these vulnerable groups face, share ideas, and find lasting solutions,” she said in an interview with Bolga FM.
Her appeal to traditional authorities was direct: “I want to urge our chiefs, tindaanas, queen mothers, and opinion leaders to help us end these cultural practices that have inflicted pain on widows and orphans for too long.”
Testimonies from survivors added raw urgency to the call. Daniel, a young orphan, recalled, “They woke me up in the night, forced me to eat cold TZ without brushing my teeth. I felt dehumanized.” Nancy, a widow, revealed, “I refused to undergo some rituals. I was beaten for saying no.”
The event drew a broad coalition of traditional rulers, queen mothers, assembly members, religious leaders, and civil society actors, signaling growing support for cultural transformation.
The animated film—part of WOM’s public education campaign—aims to foster dialogue and encourage communities to uphold human dignity over outdated customs.
Organizers expressed optimism that the presence of influential leaders would drive policy reform and inspire community by-laws to protect widows. WOM also called on government institutions and civil society organizations to intensify efforts in tackling gender-based cultural oppression.
Background:
International Widows Day, observed every June 23, was established by the United Nations to draw attention to the plight of millions of widows worldwide who suffer social stigmatization, economic deprivation, and violence following the death of a spouse.
