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ABSTRACT
Background: Widows are socioeconomically disadvantaged, especially in low resource regions. Childless widows are a group whose plight may be worse given sociocultural circumstances. In the current study, we examined the lived experiences of childless widows living in remote Nigeria, highlighting this group as being in critical need for social interventions.
Method: Childless widows (n = 11) in rural settings in South East Nigeria were interviewed. Narrative analysis was used in navigating the lived experiences of the widows.
Results: Extreme distress, ostracism, stigma, and traumatic experiences were common in the narratives of the widows. However, childlessness was at the core of their distress. Treated as outcasts, the widows resigned to God, though some were scarcely allowed to play supportive roles among relatives. As social welfare packages are almost non-existent in this region, religious groups often played supportive roles.
Conclusion: Legislation protecting widows are good but may not be sufficient if it does not translate to improved wellbeing/welfare for widows. Childless widows, especially those in rural areas, are especially vulnerable as they face peculiar deprivation and psychological distress arising from cultural/social realities. Recognising the limited resources in low income countries, mobilisation of local structures and resources to educate and monitor local communities are important.
Acknowledgments
We wish to deeply appreciate all the childless widows who took part in the study. We also appreciate the anonymous reviewers who gave helpful comments that helped to improve the original draft of this paper.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Dorothy I. Ugwu
Dorothy I. Ugwu is a senior lecturer in the Department of Human Kinetic and Health Education of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She obtained her Ph. D in 2013 majoring in Public Health Education and Promotion. She has published articles in reputable journals; prominent among them are: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being; African Journal of Nursing Sciences; and Asia Social Science.
Charles T. Orjiakor
Charles T. Orjiakor is a PhD candidate in clinical psychology at the Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interest borders on disruptive/criminal behaviours, wellbeing, and health policy/systems.
Leonard I. Ugwu
Leonard I. Ugwu is a professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interest spans across work stress, work-family conflict, burnout, and employee well-being. He has published many articles in high impact-rated journals, written three books, and contributed chapters in edited books; is currently the Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian Journal of Social Science.
Chucks E. Ezedum
Chuks Emmanuel Ezedum is a professor of Health Education and Promotion. His research interest spans across Reproductive and Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, and Environmental Health. He has published in impact factor-rated Journals across the globe.
Oliver R. Ngwoke
Oliver Rotachukwu Ngwokeobtained a PhD in Physical Education and Sports Administration and is a lecturer in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka with research interests in health promotion. Oliver has published several articles in reputable journals.
Comfort Ezebuilo
Ezebuilo Comfort Nwuka is a lecturer in the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She has published in many International Journals. She is currently a Ph.D student.