Bill Proposing Widowhood Leave Passes Second Reading In Reps, Allots 1 Month For Men, 5 Months For Women

A bill that will grant one and five months leave to men and women who list their spouse respectively has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill sponsored by Saidu Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger) will grant the widows and widowers a period to mourn their spouse and recover from the physiological challenges.

Abdullahi said widows and widowers in Nigeria face numerous challenges following the loss of their spouses and are often left to single-handedly care for their children and attend to pressing family matters.

He said the bill aims to address the pressing issue of supporting individuals who have lost their spouses and help them navigate the challenging period of widowhood.

This Bill is divided into five clauses. The first clause specified the period of leave that is formally grantable to a widow and widower with full entitlement to their pays.

The second clause defines the persons who are eligible for the leave and the third clause states the punishment for the violation of the Bill. Meanwhile, the fourth clause provides for the interpretation of the terms “widow” and “widower”

He argued that widowhood legislation has been enacted in many countries around the world, adding that widows are entitled to 15 days of paid leave in India, while widows are entitled to 60 days of leave with pay in the Philippines.

The Niger lawmaker said: “It is important to recognize that the Nigerian Labour Act (2004) does not explicitly provide for any form of leaves that covers widowhood leave warranting a much-needed review.

“However, despite this lacuna in the law, organizations around the country make provision for bereavement leave, a time off work given to employees when faced with the death of spouses.

“In fact, some organizations go a step further to offer some form of financial support formally and informally. Research findings have shown that in Nigeria, public sector organizations grant Bereavement Leave for fourteen (14) days.

“This is no doubt derived from the Public Sector Rules which state in clause 100230 that “An officer may be allowed special leave from duty on full pay on compassionate ground for a period up to two weeks for the burial of spouse/child/parents/parents of spouse.

“Considering that in countries like Australia and Brazil, Bereavement Leave is typically two (2) days, and in countries like Canada, France, Spain, and the US, it is usually three (3) days. Therefore, one may say the fourteen (14) days prescribed by Public Sector Rules is sufficient.

“But when one looks at the prevalent cultural and religious practices of Nigeria, it seems inadequate. It is always necessary that an organization looks at the cultural context as the way people mourn is deeply rooted in culture.

“In Eastern Nigeria, for instance, the burial of the deceased usually takes place after a few weeks or months (depending on the family) and the mourning period for a widow in modern times is three (3) months even though traditionally, it is up to a year.

“In Islam, while mourning is usually three (3) days, the waiting period for a widow is up to four (4) months. During this period, the bereaved spouse receives visitors for at least a month. Therefore, with our culture in view, giving a widower thirty (30) days and a widow five (5) months of Widowhood Leave for the death of a spouse may be reasonable.”

He argued that by ‘introducing Widowhood Leave, we acknowledge the unique challenges faced by widows and widowers and provide them with the necessary time and space to grieve, seek counseling, and adjust to the new realities”.

He said this support can significantly contribute to their emotional healing and overall resilience, adding that It allows widows to focus on caring for their children and other family members who may be dependent on them during this challenging time.

He said the law will allows widows to fulfill some religious and cultural obligations, adding that during the period of mourning, she would not be expected to attend to any function outside her home and she is not required to interface with any man that is not her immediate relation.

He said widowhood Leave is a demonstration of a commitment to supporting employees during times of personal crisis, adding that by providing this benefit, employers can foster a positive work culture, enhance employee loyalty, and improve overall workplace morale.