Abolish cruel widowhood rites-group

The Department of Psychology and Education Practicum Two Group Two of the University of Education, Winneba, has called for the abolition of cruel aspects of widowhood rites in society.

They have also recommended that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Department of Social Welfare and Legal Aid team up with Ghana Association of Counselor to design programs to educate the general public of the effects on the victims.

This was contained in a paper the Group presented at a forum at the Presbyterian Church in Winneba.

A large number of women groups from the Methodist, Anglican Catholic and other Churches in Winneba attended.

It was on the theme “sensitizing the public on cruel widowhood rites in the society and counselling implications”.

They called on Non-Governmental Organizations and other organization advocating for abolishing of cruel widowhood rites to collaborate with traditional leaders to modify the practices, especially those aspects that violate the rights of individuals.

“Let us therefore arise and create awareness among the general public through the various mass media to do away with the cruel aspects of widowhood rites”.

According to the group most widowhood rites infringed on the women’s right to dignity, life and heath among others.

A widowhood rite is a period when one undergoes rites (rituals or creameries) upon the death of the spouse as part of the process of ritually separating him or her from the partner.

Ms Adelaide Adu-Amoah, member of the group read the paper.

Mr Emanuel K. Dadzie, Deputy Director of Effutu Municipal Social Welfare Office, urged widows who undergo cruel widowhood rites that infringe on their rights to report to his office for action.