Exploring the nexus between widowhood practices, women's mental health, and sustainable development: Implications for SDGS, case study of Nigeria

This study has examined the complex relationship between societal practices, the mental health of women, and sustainable development, highlighting the critical connections among these elements. By analyzing a wide range of literature and empirical data, key insights have been uncovered, revealing the diverse challenges widowed women face globally and their impact on sustainable development. Additionally, the importance of addressing this relationship to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been stressed, alongside a call for more research and coordinated efforts to tackle the root causes. Widowhood customs differ widely across cultures and regions, but they frequently result in negative outcomes for widowed women, including social exclusion, economic vulnerability, psychological struggles, and even physical harm. Widowhood is consistently linked to higher rates of mental health issues among women, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Contributing factors like social isolation, financial difficulties, and discriminatory practices worsen these risks, highlighting the necessity for holistic support systems. Widowed women from marginalized communities, including those in rural areas, low-income families, or conflict zones, encounter additional challenges due to overlapping forms of discrimination and disadvantage. Addressing the needs of these vulnerable groups is essential for fostering fair and inclusive development. The negative consequences of widowhood practices and mental health challenges for women extend beyond individual well-being, affecting broader socio-economic outcomes and sustainable development goals. Gender inequalities in access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making further intensify these issues, impeding progress toward the SDGs. Effective policy and intervention strategies must adopt a comprehensive approach, incorporating legal reforms, social safety nets, healthcare services, psychosocial support, and community-driven initiatives. Central to these efforts is the promotion of gender equality, human rights, and social justice.