Causes, Effects and Counselling Strateges for AmeleoratingWidows' Afflictions in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reviewed widowhood afflictions. Widows’ afflictions involved a great violation of widows‘ right-manifestation as defacement and dethronement, forced levirate marriage, disinheritance, denial of right to dignity and equality. The paper highlighted the causes of widows‘ afflictions to include war, life responsibilities, silent killer diseases, religious and communal clashes, bomb blast, accidents, and assassination. The paper also discussed some manifestations of the violation on widows‘ rights and effects of the violation of widows. Counseling techniques, such as rational—emotive behavior therapy [REBT) which deals with the cognitive thinking, judging and behavior - orientated approach as a tool in the ameliorating of widows‘ affliction in Nigeria was discussed.It was recommended that seminars and workshops should be organized for government agencies and personnel, 2 id non-governmental organizations responsible for women affairs as well as community and religious leaders with the view of recognizing the plights of widows and how to address their afflictions.