There are an estimated 258 million widows around the world, and nearly one in ten live in extreme poverty.

About International Widows Day

Since 2011, June 23 is observed as Widows day by the United Nations to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows. It’s a day to recognize the support they need after the partner demise. Widow’s situation is really miserable in developing countries as they have to fight for basic needs and human rights. Several problems that widows faced in developing countries are poverty, violence, health, and conflict-related situations.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the widow’s situation has worsened. The pandemic caused devastating human loss and leaving tens of thousands of women newly widowed at just the time when they are cut off from their usual socio-economic and family supports.

International widow day is a day to work for the betterment and recognition for widows. This includes providing them with information on access to a fair share of their inheritance, land and productive resources; pensions and social protection, decent work and equal pay; and education and training opportunities. Widows must be empowered to support themselves and their families so that they can fight against social stigmas and discrimination. The day aims to work towards the progress for widows as every community is essential to make an inclusive and resilient society.

Information source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/widows-day