Assessment of Digital Tracking Systems and Tele-Counseling Interventions in Mitigating Widowhood Human Rights Violations in Anambra State
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: In Anambra State, widowhood sometimes is linked to gruesome violations of human rights such as ‘mourning rites and property appropriation’. The culture imposed traditional taboos, such as on reporting, and weak institutional response, historically, inflicted what are called “abuses of widowhood”, such as taking away the widow's property, compelling her to undergo mourning rites, and stigmatizing widows. To address these gaps, this research looked at the effect of digital platforms (reporting apps, SMS hotlines) and remote psychological support on documentation of violations, response time of law enforcement, trauma healing and legal empowerment. A descriptive survey design was used in quantitative data collection among 110 respondents of the region using structured 4 point likert scale questionnaire. The results indicate a consistent positive response; this reflects the use of digital tracking tools to enable confidential reporting, their effectiveness as a deterrent to grabbing and role as a major motivator for the increased law enforcement involvement. Similarly, tele-counseling was recognized as a crucial component to decrease psychological distress, the isolation of victims and to enable them to pursue legal action. The study, however, reveals the key limitations to equitable access, in particular low digital literacy, the lack of smart phones and cultural stigma, as well as poor rural network connectivity. The study suggests technological and virtual means of psychological solutions can offer a paradigm shift in justice and healing, but must attend to the infrastructure divide. The recommendations include scaling up the community digital infrastructure, introducing digital literacy at the grassroots level, establishing professional tele-counseling along the recovery pipelines and strengthening policy enforcement for cultural violations.
Source: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA
Author: Adaobi Jennifer Iloakasia
Institution: Nwafor Orizu College of Education
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204802114