Every year on June 23, the world observes International Widows’ Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging the struggles, rights, and dignity of widows worldwide. Established by the United Nations in 2011 (Resolution A/RES/65/189), this day sheds light on the systemic injustices faced by widows and calls for global action to support them.
With over 258 million widows globally, many endure not just the emotional pain of losing a spouse but also economic hardship, social ostracization, and legal discrimination. The day serves as a reminder that widows are often invisible in policies, neglected in welfare programs, and marginalized in societies—despite their immense contributions to families and communities.
The Origins of International Widows’ Day
The push for recognizing widows’ rights began long before the UN’s official declaration. The Loomba Foundation, founded by Indian philanthropist Raj Loomba in 1997, played a pivotal role in advocating for this cause.
Unofficially, International Widows Day was founded in 2005 by Lord Raj Loomba as an annual observance to raise awareness about the struggles of impoverished widows and their children worldwide.
After years of campaigning, the United Nations formally adopted the day in 2011, marking a significant step toward global awareness. The resolution urged governments and organizations to address the unique challenges widows face—property rights denial, economic deprivation, social stigma, and violence.
The plight of widows: A global crisis
1. Economic Hardship
Many widows, especially in developing nations, are stripped of their inheritance, land, and financial security after their husbands’ deaths. Without legal protections, they are left destitute, often struggling to feed their children.
2. Social stigma and discrimination
In many cultures, widows are seen as bad omens or even blamed for their husbands’ deaths. In parts of India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, widows face forced isolation, bans from social events, and even physical abuse. Some are pressured into harmful practices like forced remarriage or ritualistic mourning bans.
3. Lack of legal protection
Even when laws exist to protect widows, weak judicial systems and corruption prevent justice. Many widows are unaware of their rights or fear retaliation if they seek legal help.
The situation in India: Abandonment and hope
India has one of the largest populations of widows, many of whom face extreme neglect. In cities like Vrindavan and Mathura, thousands of widows are abandoned by their families and left to beg or live in shelters. These women, often elderly, are shunned due to superstitious beliefs that widows bring bad luck.
NGOs leading the change
Thankfully, several Indian NGOs are working tirelessly to restore dignity to these women. Here we talk about two NGOs that you can support
Maitri India
In Vrindavan, thousands of elderly widow mothers face the harsh reality of abandonment and suffering. With no one to turn to, many are left begging on the streets, exposed to scorching heat, bitter cold, and relentless rain. Winnie Singh, founder of Maitri India, has witnessed countless widows discarded on the streets of Vrindavan, one of India’s holiest cities.
“Children leave their mothers as soon as they become widows. They start seeing them as a burden. In today’s society, money comes first—everything else is secondary,” says Winnie, whose organization rescues these mothers from despair.
Many widowed elderly women spend their final years in loneliness, begging just to survive. Maitri strives to care for every widow in need, but without sufficient funds, Winnie and her team can only do so much. “Elderly widows have no shelter. They sleep in cowsheds on sacks, without even a blanket. Nights are unbearable for them,” shares Winnie. Donate so Maitri can provide shelter, food, clothing, and medical care to these abandoned mothers.
Pure Devotion Foundation
Many widows who make their way to Vrindavan are abandoned by their families, often after years of abuse. They come hoping to spend the rest of their days in prayer and devotion, but most live in impoverished conditions—on the streets or in dingy rooms. These harsh living conditions often lead to health ailments, including respiratory infections and chronic diseases.
The Pure Devotion Foundation steps in to help through its on-the-ground work. It provides monthly rations not just to a few, but to thousands of mothers, and even runs a shelter home for them. However, efforts of this scale cannot be carried out by the PDF alone. Donor support is crucial to continue this mission. Donate now
These organizations not only provide basic needs but also challenge societal norms, proving that widows deserve dignity, independence, and joy.
How can we help?
- Donate or volunteer – NGOs like Maitri and Pure Devotion Foundation rely on donations to run shelters and medical camps.
- Advocate for policy changes – Governments must strengthen inheritance laws, provide pensions, and criminalize widow abuse.
- Spread awareness – Challenge stereotypes by educating others about widows’ rights.
International Widows’ Day is not just about sympathy—it’s about justice. Widows are mothers, caregivers, and contributors to society. They deserve security, respect, and opportunities to thrive.
As we observe this day, let’s remember: No woman should suffer twice—first from loss, then from neglect. By supporting widows, we build a fairer, kinder world for all.
Kumara was a professional journalist for over 15 years, with stints in The Telegraph and Reader’s Digest. He grew up hating maths and physics. He is a post-graduate in history. Kumara believes that cricket and Seinfeld have answers to most questions that life throws at you.
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