Reps seek five-month mourning leave for widows, four weeks for widowers

Reps seek five-month mourning leave for widows, four weeks for widowers

The House of Representatives is working on a legislation to allow widows to go on leave for five months to mourn the passing of their husbands.

Part of the law would also make widowers enjoy a four-week mourning period.

Already, the bill has scaled through second reading. It is entitled ‘Widowhood Leave Bill, 2023’, and sponsored by Hon. Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger).

The period, the sponsor, said would give the beneficiaries ample time and space to grieve, seek counselling and adjust to their new realities.

Abdullahi added that the support would significantly contribute to their emotional healing and overall resilience, as well as give them time to focus on caring for their children during the mourning period.

He noted that a Muslim widow is expected to perform iddah (waiting period) for a period of four months and ten days.

During this period, she would not be expected to attend to any function outside her home and not required to interface with any man not her immediate relation.

According to him,  widows and widowers in Nigeria face numerous challenges following the loss of their spouses.

The lawmaker said, “You will recall that this bill was presented and scaled first reading on the floor of this hallowed Chamber on July 27th, 2023.

“This crucial piece of legislation aims to address the pressing issue of supporting individuals who have lost their spouses, helping them navigate the challenging period of widowhood.”