Navigating the Shadows

Rights and Resilience of Widows and Widowers in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Widowhood remains a significant social issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where cultural, legal, and economic factors converge to create unique challenges for widows and widowers. The experience of losing a spouse is often compounded by systemic discrimination and socio-economic vulnerabilities (Nwanko, 2025). Research suggests that widows face heightened risks of gender-based violence, economic instability, and social isolation (Shafiq, Ullah & Ayub, 2024; Zafar, Yasin & Khan, 2023). Also, widowhood is not experienced equally, it is gendered with men and women having different experiences. Moreover, cultural practices surrounding widowhood can exacerbate these challenges, with many women subjected to harmful traditions that limit their rights to property, mobility, and personal autonomy (Gupta, Madabushi & Gupta, 2023).
The right to life, movement, religion, culture, and other fundamental rights are often neglected in the aftermath of bereavement (Matlabe-Danke, 2025), leaving widows and widowers to navigate complex legal and social landscapes. For instance, the intersection of cultural norms and legal frameworks often complicates the inheritance rights of widows, leading to further marginalisation (Dube, 2023; Choguya, 2024; Julius, 2025). The psychological toll of widowhood, characterised by profound loneliness and grief, can also hinder the ability to seek help or assert one's rights (Makanga, 2022; Senyah, 2021).
This special issue creates a platform for scholarly dialogue on the multifaceted experiences of widows and widowers. By addressing the diverse challenges they face, we aim to propose actionable recommendations that can enhance their rights and improve their living conditions.