International Widow Day: Every year on 23 June the world celebrates International Widow Day. The loss of a partner or spouse is a devastating loss that can bring a person to their lowest point. The loss is compounded when a person is left to fend for himself when he is grieving. A woman who has been emotionally or financially dependent on her partner has been left without a confidant, support system or partner for her entire life.
Women who are widowed must fight for their rights – both emotionally and professionally – for the rest of their lives. According to the United Nations (UN), there are over 258 million widows worldwide. The United Nations observes International Widow Day every year on 23 June to honor these widows.
Widows are ‘ignored, left unsupported and without measure’: UN
According to the United Nations, over the years widows have been “overlooked, unsupported and unmeasured”. Many women have become widows as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic since 2019. Women who need to be recognized, helped and encouraged rather than judged. Widows should be given their rights as a result of past experiences with HIV/AIDS and Ebola.
In the past, widows were denied inheritance rights, had their property taken over after the death of a partner, and were stigmatized and discriminated against. Not only this, he has also been accused of being responsible for the deaths of his significant others. Many countries around the world consider widows to be bad omen and forbid their presence on happy occasions.
Even in the 21st century, when the world is advancing technologically, widows are still plagued with evils. Efforts must be made to ensure their welfare and to destroy the social lens which refuses to see them as human beings.
On International Widow Day, efforts should be made to protect the rights of widows and encourage them in their lives. Widows should be provided with educational opportunities, pension, an equal share of inheritance and freedom from social stigma.
According to the United Nations, governments of all member states must take action to ensure the rights of widows enshrined in international law, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. People should be made aware of the importance of equality and resilience as we work to create a better world for ourselves and others.
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