Empowering Widows: The Importance of International Widows’ Day 2024

IN SHORT

• Date: 23 June
• Purpose: Recognize the rights of widows and raise awareness for their welfare
• Statistics: There are 258 million widows globally, with nearly one in ten living in extreme poverty
• Challenges: Inheritance denial, property grabbing, stigma, lack of pensions
• History: Initiated by the Loomba Foundation in 2005; UN recognition in 2010
• Significance: Highlights the need for policy action and public awareness

History of International Widows’ Day

The United Nations (UN) officially established International Widows’ Day on December 21, 2010, when it passed the resolution “In Support of Widows and Their Children.” The Loomba Foundation, a UK-based charity foundation established by Lord Raj Loomba and committed to the global empowerment of widows, is the origin of the concept for this day. The date of Lord Loomba’s mother’s 1954 being widowed is June 23, which is why it was selected as the day of celebration.

Background

Since its establishment in 1997, the Loomba Foundation has concentrated on the situation of widows. Its originator, Raj Loomba, claims that widows have severe difficulties in many nations after the loss of their husbands. These difficulties frequently include social rejection and a lack of support from governments or nonprofit organizations.

Significance of International Widows’ Day

The significance of International Widows’ Day lies in:

• Educating the public about the difficulties widows experience across the world.
• Promoting reflection on the advancements accomplished and honoring the bravery and tenacity of widows.
• Bringing attention to the necessity of legislative action to provide widows with full respect and rights.
• Posing a challenge and eliminating the myths surrounding widowhood.
• Highlighting the critical need for widows’ social and financial support networks.

The Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, 1856: Highlights

• Legalized Hindu widows’ remarriage.
• Prohibited widows’ remarriage rights to their late husbands’ assets.
• Discussed the care of children whose parents had passed away.
• Provisions for the rituals that make widows’ weddings lawful.

Condition of Widows Before the Introduction of the Act

Hindu widows from higher castes in India suffered harsh limitations and social shame prior to the Act. They were frequently required to live austere lives, which included cutting their hair, wearing rough white sarees, and being excluded from social events and celebrations. Reformers like as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar fought for widows’ rights, which resulted in the Widow Remarriage Act being passed in 1856.

Schemes for Welfare of Widows in India

1. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Provides pensions to BPL widows aged 40-59.
2. Home for Widows: A facility in Vrindavan, UP, offering shelter, health services, food, and legal aid.
3. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Provides subsidized food grains to households headed by widows.
4. Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund: Supports financial security, health care, and nutrition for elderly widows.

Facts About Widows

• Discrimination, financial difficulties, and damaging customs are all faced by widows.
• Almost 10% of widows globally are living in severe poverty.
• Child widows are a serious problem that goes unreported.
• Widows are treated cruelly and excluded in certain societies as disease carriers.

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