Int'l Widows Day: Chefusirri Foundation empowers widows in B'da, urges authorities to protect their rights.

The event was organised by nonprofit organisation, Chefusirri Foundation, which is led by the renowned lawyer and women’s rights advocate, Barrister Chefu Sirri Afanwi Joy. 

The event held under the theme: “A table of strength”. It brought together widows in Bamenda, who were empowered and educated on how to overcome the harsh treatments they get from the society.

International Widows Day, it should be said, is commemorated annually on June 23. It was set aside to address the poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents across the globe. 

Widows still facing harsh treatments

The Founder of Chefusirri Foundation, Barrister Chefu Sirri, in a message put out to commemorate the Day, regretted the harsh treatments widows in the country still face due to cultural norms and laws.

"Across Cameroon and many parts of the world, widowhood is often met not with compassion, but with cruelty. Widows, particularly in rural communities, are stripped of their dignity, property, and rights. They are sometimes even accused of causing their husband's death. They face immense stigma, and only the bravest emerge victorious. These injustices are not just cultural; they are blatant legal and human rights violations," Barrister Chefu said.

While citing the universal declaration of human rights, the Maputo Protocol and several human rights charters which also protect the rights of widows, Barrister Chefu noted that the society still violates the rights of widows, despite the laws.

"Cameroon's legal framework includes laws that should protect and promote the rights of widows, including the Penal Code; prohibiting cruel, inhuman treatment. It’s important to note that international treaties and conventions ratified by Cameroon should, in principle, override national laws. Unfortunately, customary laws often supersede these statutory laws in practice," she noted. 

Challenges faced by widows 

Barrister Chefu noted that widowhood in Cameroon and across Africa is deeply influenced by cultural, traditional, and socioeconomic factors. 

She said while experiences vary by country, ethnic group, and religion, common patterns and challenges persist. 

Barrister Chefu added that in most parts of Cameroon, widowhood is marked by elaborate mourning rituals that can be burdensome and harmful. 

She cited isolation and confinement, wearing specific mourning clothes, hair shaving, public crying or wailing, and sitting on the floor.

"Some communities even expect widows to prove their innocence regarding their husband's death. Furthermore, many widows are expected to marry a male relative of the deceased (widow inheritance) and risk being chased from their homes or stripped of inheritance if they refuse. It's sadly common for widows to be denied their rights to property, land, and even have their children seized. Many become homeless and destitute," Barrister Chefu regretted.

Widows urged to stand up for their rights

During the gathering in Bamenda, the widows were called upon to be resilient and stand up for their rights and never to consider giving up to the society as an option.

A volunteer at Chefusirri Foundation, Ndi Noella, said the session in Bamenda is a continuation of series of trainings the Foundation has been carrying out over the years to empower widows.

"We want to empower the widows so that they should be able to do something for themselves and others,” she stated, noting that the session in Bamenda is to further strengthen them. 

“We have been organising workshops wherein we train them on how to produce liquid soap and other handicrafts which they can produce and make money for themselves," Ndi said.

Widow hails efforts of Chefusirri Foundation 

At the end of the session, some of the widows shared their experiences and how they have been struggling to survive the challenges.  

One of them, Asongwe Ngum, said she has been living under difficult conditions since her husband died some seventeen years ago.

Asongwe said it is thanks to the Chefusirri Foundation that widows like her have been able to walk out of their difficulties and have a voice in the society today. 

She said the Foundation has given them a space to express their worries and has been fighting for their rights.

As someone who has lived the experience, Asongwe said she has taken the initiative to take care of some widows in her neighbourhood and has also been educating them on how to stand strong.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3482 of Monday June 23, 2025