International Widows Day

Shedding Light on the Plight of Widows: The Significance of International Widows Day

International widows day
Widows rights empowerment
Widows support programs
Widows and poverty in developing nations

On June 23rd each year, the global community comes together to observe International Widows Day. Launched in 2010 by the United Nations, this awareness day seeks to spotlight the often overlooked struggles faced by widows worldwide. It calls for concrete action to uphold the rights and dignity of the estimated 258 million widows globally.[1]

Photo by The Loomba Foundation

The Origins of International Widows Day

International Widows Day was established after activist and philanthropist Lord Loomba lobbied the UN for years to recognize the human rights violations experienced by widows in many countries.[2] The date of June 23rd was chosen specifically because it was the anniversary of the day Loomba’s own mother became a widow in 1954.

Moved by his mother’s plight as a widow in South Asia, Lord Loomba founded the Loomba Foundation in 1997 to advocate for widows’ rights. The organization champions education, poverty eradication and remarriage for widows. It also works to raise awareness of widows’ marginalization.[3]

In 2010, the UN officially designated June 23rd as International Widows Day after adopting a resolution submitted by the Loomba Foundation. The resolution calls for member states, civil society and other stakeholders to “devote attention to the situation of widows and their children”.[4]

The Significance of International Widows Day

This global awareness day is incredibly significant for bringing the often unspoken struggles of widowed women to the forefront. Widows make up 9.1% of all women of marital age worldwide,[5] yet their issues have historically been invisible in research, data, policy and public attention.

International Widows Day provides a platform to give voice to widows’ experiences, share the stark realities they face, and mobilize action on their behalf. It also allows them themselves to connect and advocate together for widows rights empowerment.

The day generates vital dialogue and research on topics like:

  • Economic deprivation and poverty among widows
  • Lack of inheritance rights and property dispossession
  • Physical/sexual abuse and harmful traditional practices
  • Social stigma and discrimination
  • Grief support and psychological needs

This knowledge can inform legal reforms and targeted assistance for widows support programs.

Global Impact of International Widows Day

Since its inception, International Widows Day has elevated awareness and catalyzed progress worldwide:

  • Events, marches & conferences now mark the day across Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond.
  • In 2011, the first UN report dedicated to widows’ issues was released on the day.[6]
  • Research bodies like the Loomba Foundation publish reports annually to coincide with the day. [7]
  • Media coverage significantly increases, bringing widows’ stories to global attention.[8]
  • Advocacy campaigns around widows’ rights intensify in the lead-up to the day.
  • Governments often announce new policies to empower widows timed with the day. Nepal passed historic reforms in 2015.[9]
  • Aid organizations highlight widows’ needs through campaigns on the day, increasing donations.

This momentum continues annually, propelling action long after International Widows Day. The day has brought substantial progress over the past decade.

Ongoing Challenges for Widows

However, deep challenges remain. Only 60 countries formally observe International Widows Day. Widows are still absent from most national laws and policies. Discrimination persists in many societies.

Widows worldwide still face profound marginalization and abuse. Their basic rights are violated through:

  • Disinheritance and property grabbing by relatives
  • Physical violence, even by family members
  • Forced marriage to the deceased husband’s kin
  • Being accused of causing their husband’s death
  • Severe social stigma and ostracism
  • Extreme poverty and homelessness

Regarding widows and poverty in developing nations especially, such oppression leaves widows desperate, isolated and trapped in cycles of poverty. Their dependent children also suffer from losing their father, home and financial stability.

International Widows Day brings these injustices to light. It reminds us of the urgent need for lasting change so widows can live in dignity.

Taking Action to Support Widows

This global awareness day is more than symbolic. It catalyzes real change for the world’s widows. Here are important ways to take action:

  • Advocate for Legal Reforms: Campaign for full property, inheritance and economic rights for widows. Elect supportive lawmakers.
  • Donate to Widows’ Causes: Give to organizations like GFA World that provide vital aid and empowerment programs for widows in Asia and Africa.
  • Volunteer Locally: Get involved with charities assisting widows in your community. Contact churches and women’s shelters.
  • Educate Yourself and Others: Read up on widows’ issues and share what you learn online or through community talks. Help spread awareness.
  • Support Widows Emotionally: Reach out to widows you know with care and compassion. Let them share memories and process grief. Give hope.

This International Widows Day, let us recommit to securing full rights and dignity for widows everywhere. Together, we can ensure their voices are heard and make a tangible difference in their lives. No woman should suffer oppression simply for losing her husband.

You can uplift widows facing injustice worldwide by supporting GFA World’s Widows and Abandoned Children Fund. This fund provides vital assistance like: sewing machines and skills training, literacy programs, income-generating gifts (goats, chickens, etc), and emergency relief aid.

Donate today and help make a difference!

Learn more about widow isolation

[1] “International Widows Day.” Wikipedia, January 16, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Widows_Day.
[2] “International Widows’ Day.” United Nations. Accessed October 23, 2023. https://www.un.org/en/observances/widows-day.
[3] “Cherie highlights widows’ plight.” BBC NEWS. Accessed October 25, 2023. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4580323.stm.
[4] “UN General Assembly adoption of International Widows Day.” United Nations. http://web.archive.org/web/20140914022353/https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/ga11041.doc.htm. Accessed October 25, 2023.
[5] The Loomba Foundation. “Statistics.” Accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.theloombafoundation.org/our-work/research/world-widows-report/statistics.
[6] United Nations. “UN Chief Urges Societies to Empower Widows to Play Meaningful Role in Society – UN News.” United Nations. June 23, 2011. https://news.un.org/en/story/2011/06/379352.
[7] The Loomba Foundation. “International Widows Day – Progress | The Loomba Foundation.” The Loomba Foundation. Accessed February 25, 2023. https://www.theloombafoundation.org/our-work/advocacy/international-widows-day/progress.
[8] UN Women – Headquarters. “Life after Loss: Rights, Dignity and Justice for Widows.” Accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2018/6/compilation-international-widows-day.
[9] “Statement by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women, for International Widows’ Day.” UN Women – Asia-Pacific. June 23, 2018. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/news-and-events/stories/2018/06/international-widows-day.