I had never attended a documentary screening before, and when I was invited to attend this one, I didn't know what to expect. The first image that flashed across the screen read “God’s Wives”. I thought the title was creative and catchy enough to make me curious. The next images that followed, brought tears to my eyes.

The Documentary

Depicting the plight of widows, “God’s Wives” an emotionally evoking, yet inspiring, 15 minute documentary draws our attention to their individual struggles, in terms of social, economic, psychological and human rights violations and ultimately, their victories.

The producer, Bolanle Olukanni, featured two widows “Nkechi and Chinwe”. Both women talk about their individual experience with such candor that allows us to admire their fortitude even in the face of loss.

Nkechi, a mother of four, is surrounded by her children and they are huddled together on a worn out mat in a cluttered room. Nkechi recounts the death of her husband and how she had lost everything thereafter. She had faced financial hardship and her husband’s friends deserted, as well as refused to help her after his  death.

Determined to survive against all odds, she takes up menial jobs which we see her doing. Nkechi talks about a man who wanted to marry her, and how she changed her mind when the conditions dictated that she would have to leave her children behind – A culture peculiar to her tribe. The turning point in her life is evident when she is introduced to the ‘Self Worth Organization’ by her friend.

Chinwe, articulate and in her forties, recounts how she had a comfortable life until her husband’s death. She talks about her late husband with so much ardor we can nearly feel it from across the screen. She was a successful business woman until her husband’s death.

She recollects how she had lost her business and how she was forcefully ejected from her home with her three children. Life was tough, Chinwe suffered psychologically, but she was determined to make the best of her situation no matter what. Chinwe, just like Nkechi, was introduced to the “Self Worth Organization” by a widowed friend whom she referred to as her ‘Co wife'.

The Self Worth Organization: An NGO Founded by Mrs. Chinyere Anokwuru in 2010 is a safe haven for widows. Chinyere who is also a widow, lost her husband when she couldn't afford to pay his medical bills, that cost one thousand five hundred Naira.

After working her way out of poverty, and determined to help others in the same situation, in 2017, she with the help of Bolanle Olukanni and financial support from the Redeemed Christian Church, created a centre that provides vocational training for the women and a network that supports them on their journey as single mothers.

Summary.

Overall, “God’s Wives” emphasizes that widowhood is perhaps one of, if not the most distressing and difficult experiences of a woman’s life. It highlights ways in which widows manage to cope with the loss of their spouses and slowly adjust to the new realities they must face. "God's Wives" also highlights the importance of  and need for individual and societal help in supporting widows in Nigeria.

God’s Wives is packed with truthful insight into the lives of some widows. It evokes emotion whilst reminding us that there is indeed a husband to the widows and father to the fatherless – God.

Written by Ella Chikezie.

Ella Chikezie is a biochemist by day, and a writer by night. Her writing theme explores poetry, fiction, non fiction and drama. She blogs at www.ellawritesng.wordpress.com , enjoys watching movies, reading and travelling. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @ellawritesng or itzyogurl_ella