Study of the Grief Experiences of Widows in Rural Communities in Ekiti State

Widowhood in South West Nigerian communities often entails not only bereavement but also socially imposed mourning rituals, stigma, and economic vulnerability that compound the grief process, and understanding the experiences of rural widows is essential for culturally sensitive counselling programming. This study examined the grief experiences and support needs of widows in rural communities in Ijero and Moba Local Government Areas, Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. A qualitative descriptive design was adopted, with in-depth interviews conducted with 30 widows aged 35 to 70 recruited through community women's group leaders. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Five major themes emerged: intense emotional distress and prolonged grief, experience of stigma and social exclusion, burden of widowhood ritual observances, financial vulnerability and role overload, and inadequacy of available social and spiritual support. Participants described forced mourning practices including isolation, wearing of black for extended periods, and restriction from community activities as compounding their psychological suffering. Formal grief counselling had been accessed by none of the participants, with traditional community support and religious practices serving as the primary coping resources. The study recommends community-based grief support groups facilitated by trained counsellors, advocacy against harmful widowhood practices, and culturally informed grief counselling training for faith-based and community helpers in Ekiti State.

Keywords: grief, widowhood, rural women, Ekiti State, bereavement counselling