The widow's room
Subtitle: a journey from cultural oppression to freedom
By: Mbangiseni Dzivhani
Publisher: Lukhanyo Publishers
Published: 2021
Place of publication: Kraaifontein
Language: eng
Number of pages: 160
ISBN-13: 9781991208224; 9781991208231
Subjects: Widowhood; Social life and customs; Husbands; Death; Psychological aspects; Bereavement; Venda (African people)
Description: "This book highlights the plight of women who are widows in the African cultures. It is a memoir reflecting on personal experiences of the author. The book exposes ill cultural practices, myths, traditions, beliefs and societal expectations towards women who are widows. The author highlights some of the harmful, cultural practices; physical and psychological trauma, and the disregard for widows' legal and marital rights. It exposes isolation and exclusion of widows from decision making, property grabbing, arranged marriages and gross human rights violations of women who are widows. Furthermore, the book highlights the role of women in gross violation and abuse of other women who are widows in the name of culture and religion. This is a story about a woman who survived the worst experiences as a widow and managed to rebuild her life, succeeded in her career and became a powerful force in society to empower and support other women."--