Mrs. Josephine Njiko Okafor
…Redefines Widowhood
The state of widowhood, which comes with scorn and neglect, would now be properly understood as a natural circumstance with the insights from the new book, “Widowhood and The Society: Need for New Thinking,” which makes it a phase in marital relationship couples must face as mortals.
Authored by Mrs. Josephine Njiko Okafor, a renowned Banker, and the Founder of Elite Widows Foundation, the book has 10 chapters that offer in-depth knowledge into the plights of widows in a simple language and style, and new status in society due to the loss of their spouses, mostly done in the name of age-long culture, tradition, and indigenous belief.
Painstakingly, she has put forward practical solutions on how a widow can enjoy full fundamental human rights in the absence of her husband, in a combination of cultural, psychological, moral, spiritual, and governmental concerns.
Indeed, all the points enumerated in the book were factors that prompted the special recognition of widows by the United Nations, that even though there are more than 258 million widows around the world, they have historically been left unseen, unsupported, and unmeasured in our societies, hence the globe marks the International Widow’s Day on 23rd June, every year. since 2011. This is to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanise the unique support that they need. It is also an opportunity for action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows.
The wonderful piece, according to Okafor, is the product of years of hands-on experience and after several distraught cases of widows in rehabilitation stages, decided to document their experiences and recommendations on how to give or treat wives (and/or husbands) of a deceased with love, care and civility in sub-Saharan Africa and globally.
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Written in simple language and domesticated innuendos for the delight and literary engagement of even an alien reader, the well-thought solution to widow’s problems in the book, if adapted and adopted in many African societies, would erase the fears associated with widowhood that makes it a regrettable experience, instead of a natural cause.
Brilliantly, the innovative book is recommended to researchers, academics, community leaders, traditional rulers, churches, legal practitioners, community-based institutions, non-governmental organisations, governmental establishments, family and social ministries, and all who thirst for equal rights and justice.
