International Widows Day 2021: History, Significance, Theme & All That You Need To Know

Every year on June 23, the United Nations commemorates International Widows' Day to honour these widows. 

Representative Photo (AFP)

International Widows' Day: Every year on June 23, the world commemorates International Widows' Day. Loss of a partner or spouse is a devastating loss that can drive a person to their lowest point. The loss gets amplified when a person is left to fend for herself while grieving. A woman who has been emotionally or financially reliant on her partner her entire life is left without a confidante, a support system, or a companion.

Women who have been widowed must fight for their rights - both emotional and professional - for the rest of their lives. According to the United Nations (UN), there are over 258 million widows worldwide. Every year on June 23, the United Nations commemorates International Widows' Day to honour these widows. 

Widows are 'left unseen, unsupported, and unmeasured': UN

For years, widows have been "unseen, unsupported, and unmeasured," according to the UN. Several women have been widowed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic since 2019. Women who need to be recognised, helped, and encouraged rather than judged. Widows must be granted their rights, as a result of previous experiences with HIV/AIDS and Ebola.

In the past, widows were denied inheritance rights, had their property taken after the death of a partner, and were stigmatised and discriminated against. Not only that, but they have also been accused of being responsible for the deaths of their significant others. Many countries around the world regard widows as bad omens and forbid their presence on happy occasions.

Even in the 21st century, when the world is advancing technologically, there are evil practises associated with widows. Efforts must be made to ensure their well-being and to deconstruct the societal lens that refuses to see them as human beings.

On International Widows' Day, efforts must be made to protect widows' rights and to encourage them in their lives. Widows must be provided with educational opportunities, pensions, an equitable share of inheritance, and freedom from social stigma.

According to the UN, governments of all member countries must take action to ensure the rights of widows as 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 must be made aware of the importance of equality and resilience as we work to create a better world for ourselves and others.