Ruth and Naomi: The Sorrows of Childless Widows and the Dignity of the African Woman

Abstract

Widows in Africa are often confronted with traumatic experiences at the instance of losing their husbands. The inhuman treatment meted on the widows varies from one culture to the other. They leave an indelible and painful psychological experience on these widows which mar them all through their life. The two Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortations on Africa – Ecclesia in Africa and Africae Munus – inter-alia reflected on the dignity of women and strongly denounced these practices. This study assembles a review of harmful widowhood rites practiced in different communities in Africa, having for its point of departure the exegetical analysis of the experience of the biblical Ruth and Naomi; juxtaposing it with that of the contemporary African woman in a patriarchal society. The essay proposes the way forward and recommendations are made to help eradicate these obnoxious practices in our communities.