Legal Reforms Crucial For Advancing Widows’ Inheritance Rights, Says Advocate Essiet

In a recent interview, Edirin Essiet, a legal practitioner and the convener of Total Life Concern, emphasized the need for legal reforms to protect widows’ rights, particularly concerning inheritance. Essiet, who has dedicated her career to advocating for the welfare of widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups, highlighted the persistent issue of harmful traditional practices that widows face during mourning periods.

Essiet pointed out that these practices often stem from illiteracy and poverty, creating a challenging cycle that is difficult to break. However, she believes that with increased education and awareness, these practices can be gradually eradicated, helping to dismantle the root causes of such mistreatment.

As an advocate, Essiet is pushing for implementing and enforcing laws that protect widows from discrimination and ensure their rights to inheritance and personal autonomy. She also advocates for social welfare programs that provide robust support systems for widows, helping them transition out of poverty. These programs could include government-led poverty alleviation initiatives that offer financial assistance, vocational training, and employment opportunities.

Essiet’s organization, Total Life Concern, has been active in providing free legal counseling and community awareness campaigns. She acknowledges that harmful practices are deeply rooted in societal norms but believes that a collaborative approach involving the government and NGOs can make significant strides in eliminating these practices.

She also discussed the stigmatization and social alienation that widows often face during mourning, noting that these experiences vary across cultures but are heavily influenced by societal expectations and gender roles. Essiet stressed the importance of creating supportive environments for individuals experiencing grief, which can help mitigate the negative impacts of these cultural practices.

Reflecting on her motivation for establishing Total Life Concern in 2017, Essiet shared that her compassion for the struggles faced by widows in society drove her to create a supportive environment for those in need. The organization has since supported over 2,000 beneficiaries through various projects, including an annual medical outreach program that provides free healthcare to widows.

Essiet remains committed to her cause, working towards a future where widowhood is no longer marked by suffering, but rather a phase of life where women are empowered and supported to thrive.