Abstract:
Widowhood practice is an unjust cultural practice directed against women who lose their
husbands. The effects of this long-time culture on society, especially women, are continuing
even in the 21st century as a result of rules, laws and regulations, and cultural values that
have been laid down by the ancestors and nurtured by subsequent generations. The findings
of the research indicated that discriminatory widowhood practices were humiliating to
women and were made by men to relegate women to the background. This article, therefore,
studied this cultural practice in Igboland in order to create a niche for the church in its
alleviation. Nevertheless, it is on record that Christian churches have made remarkable
efforts to alleviate the plight of widows. However, a lot is still expected for the total
eradication of this age-old tradition.
CONTRIBUTION : The church has an enormous role to play in the fight against unjust cultural
practices against women in Igboland. The church was chosen because of the respect that
people of Igboland give to priests and other members of a religious community.
Description:
This research article is part of
the research project ‘Africa
Platform for NT Scholars’,
directed by Prof. Dr Ernest
van Eck, Department of New
Testament Studies and
Related Literature, Faculty of
Theology and Religion,
University of Pretoria.
Special Collection: Africa Platform for NT Scholars, sub-edited by Ernest van Eck (University of Pretoria).
