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Abstract: Submission #188

Submission Number: 188
Submission ID: 1189
Submission UUID: 19f0a3e5-c963-4e57-b692-d967a66c076b
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts

Created: Mon, 06/23/2025 - 18:09
Completed: Mon, 06/23/2025 - 19:20
Changed: Wed, 08/13/2025 - 14:05

Remote IP address: 41.10.254.43
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Title Dr.
Lastname Hugo
Firstname Shirley nozipo
eMail shirley.hugo@ecdsd.gov.za
Mobile 0663074628
Institution Eastern cape department of social development
Biosketch Holds B.A.Social Work degree from University of Western Cape. Worked at Vista University as a Student Counsellor. Obtained B.A. Honours :Psychology from Vista University,1999.Completed M. Social Science-Social Work: Loss & Trauma,University of Free State, while working for Free State Department of Health. Wrote a book titled "The stories of loss you are not alone in 2010. Obtained her PhD in Social Work from the University of Western Cape in 2023.Wrote a chapter on the book titled" Widowhood issues in Southern Africa" focusing on Christianity and widowhood in 2024. Currently the Chief Director at the Eastern Cape Department of Social Department.
Is there a Second Presenter? No
Title of Presentatation Experiences of young black widows during mourning process in Mangaung Metro, Free State
Theme Selection THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice
Subtheme THREE Selection SUB 3.1 Influencing policies that promote environmental sustainability and social equity.
Select your Presentation Type Oral Presentation
Abstract Experiences of young Black widows during the mourning process in Mangaung Metro, Free State

The study explored the experiences that cause vulnerability among widows and effects of widowhood in dealing with the loss of a husband in Mangaung Metro, Free State Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe experiences and challenges of black young widows; to explore and describe the customary practices around widowhood; and to describe an empowerment process facilitated with black young widows. The study was guided by Critical Social Theory as a theoretical framework and employed a Participatory Action Research design. A qualitative approach was employed following a non-probability sampling method technique. All the widows from Mangaung were targeted for the study. Purposive sampling was utilised to select 16 widows from the database of the Free State Department of Social Development and the snowball sampling was utilised to reach the desired number. The study had a sample of 16 widows (8 rural & 8 urban) who met the set criteria. The criteria was that widows had to be between 18 and 40 years; from Mangaung and widowed for a minimum of 6 months. In order to protect the participants, ethical considerations were observed. Focus groups, interviews and workshops were used to collect data. All recorded data was transcribed. Thematic analysis was followed for data analysis with assistance of a data technician. The main themes found were, effects of widowhood on dealing with the loss of a husband; challenges and experiences that cause vulnerability among widows; Strategies were then developed to deal with issues that made widows vulnerable. It was concluded that widows are not against mourning rituals but how they are implemented affecting their lives negatively. It is recommended that a research study be conducted on the role of women in the implementation of widowhood rituals.
Key Words: Empowerment, widowhood, mourning rituals and widows
Title Dr
Firstname Nkosiyazi
Lastname Dube
Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? Yes
What Area does this Abstract Focus on? Empirical Research
Status Accepted
Title Prof
Firstname Roelf
Lastname Reyneke
Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? Yes
What Area does this Abstract Focus on? Empirical Research
Status Accepted
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