2.3.2. Situation of unmarried, widowed, divorced women and women without support network

2.3.2. Situation of unmarried, widowed, divorced women and women without support network

Within the phenomenon of so-called ‘baby-factories’, teenage girls or unmarried young women have been forced into sex-slavery and trafficked as ‘baby-making machines’ across the country.312 For more information see 2.2.4. Women victims of trafficking.

A 2024 study indicated a high incidence of poverty among unemployed and unmarried women in North Central Nigeria, due to limited access to education and training, and difficulties supporting themselves.313 The director of WOCON told the EUAA that single women often face severe barriers to accessing housing, employment, education, healthcare, and other essential services. Most belong to low-income backgrounds, have not attended school and have limited awareness of their rights or available support systems. There is also a clear urban-rural divide: in urban centres, even if people are unaware of their rights, they might still receive information or guidance from neighbours. In rural areas, by contrast, overall awareness is lower, and communities often lack such information or support. Further, single women who lack support network, including divorced women and victims of trafficking, are often perceived by society and even their families as ‘morally questionable’ or ‘loose.’ This perception leads to deep stigma and social exclusion.314 Landlords often view single women as financially unreliable,315 or assume they are sex workers.316 For more information see 2.2.8. Social attitude towards returnee victims of trafficking.

Divorced women face significant challenges due to limited economic independence and the stigma associated with being single. This combination often leaves them vulnerable to isolation, financial hardship, and emotional strain. As reported by the Guardian, ‘Nigerian society often views a woman who is no longer in her husband’s home as unworthy of marriage, regardless of the circumstances.’317

Widows may face abuse,318 social exclusion, and accusations after their husbands’ deaths.319 Deprived of spousal income, many descend into poverty and struggle to secure basic needs such as food and shelters.320 Moreover, disposal of the estate in Nigeria is governed by customary law,321 which often forbid widows from inheriting their late husband's assets. 322 This may leave them in extreme poverty, isolated from friends and family, and vulnerable to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Customs and traditions have continued to ‘encourage gender-based violence against widows’. Traditional leaders, church groups, and government agencies enable these abuses through inaction and a lack of political will, while victims’ silence further reinforced their vulnerability.323 Widowhood cultural practices were described as ‘inhumane or unfair’. Examples included ‘shaving of hair including private parts, wearing only black clothing throughout the mourning period from six months to one year, isolation/alienation, drinking water used to bathe the corpse, levirate marriage,324 dispossession from husband’s property, and ritualised weeping325’.326