UN International Widows Day
For many people, losing their spouse is the most heartbreaking moment of their life. Also, for single mothers and widows the world over, the loss of a spouse means economic hardship, social rejection and psychological distress. In some societies, widowhood is strongly stigmatized, and widows often suffer from physical and sexual abuse. There has been a significant increase in the number of widow's globally. Widows are economically disadvantaged and face social isolation. In developing countries where support systems are limited or non-existent, the challenges women face become more acute.
What is Widow Day?
In order to break the isolation and to reach out to other women in similar situations, Loomba has decided to mark the passing of her mother on June 23 with a coinciding event that she has designated as "Widow Day." Today, widows celebrate this day with their children and grandchildren. United Nations officials, NGOs and women's groups organized activities to mark the day and increase their awareness about the problem. It is important to focus on the right issues and to use the required resources.
The day was conceived as a tribute to Raj Loomba's late mother, who became a widow on June 23, 1954. The first International Widows' Day was observed in New York City on June 23, 2011.
Why is Widow Day important?
A day to remember and honor the women who have lost their husbands. The United Nations has released a report which focuses on the situation of women around the world who have lost their husbands. The widows need support and encouragement from the international community. We should educate widows about financial matters and give them the tools necessary to live an independent life. Widow Day is about raising awareness among women in order to help them cope with the adversities they face after losing their husbands.
Who are widows?
Women who have lost their spouses. There are an estimated 26 million women worldwide who are considered 'newly vulnerable' widows, that is women over 60 years of age who have lost their husbands within five years prior to being surveyed.
How you can help a woman in your community who has become a widow?
One way to support her is to give her money. Financial assistance is critical after the loss of a husband. Widows need financial and emotional support, both in the short and long term, after they have lost their husband. There are several ways you can help them:
Helping them manage their finance
Give them legal and financial advice. Find out whether they need to apply for a widow's pension or annuity, and if so, where they can get it. Help them identify assets they have left behind and explain the process for applying for government assistance in case they have any questions.
Help them find new employment
Widows can find it harder to find suitable work than men, who can often return to their previous job without much trouble. This becomes more difficult when they are widowed because of the need to tell their employers whether or not the husband is alive or dead. Widows also need training in new skills; either temporary training or retraining after the loss of their husband.
Provide them with the tools to manage their grief
It is vital you help widows understand that grieving is a normal and necessary process of moving forward. By encouraging and supporting their most positive responses to grief, the widow will be more likely to heal sooner. The goal is to help them develop a new identity as a healthy individual who does not define themselves solely by their relationship with the deceased spouse.
Provide Spiritual Support
While not all widows are religious, it is still essential for your church or ministry to provide spiritual support for those who need it. Your church or ministry may already provide this type of support through funerals, memorials, counseling and other ministries.
What are the goals of International Widows' Day?
The goal of this day is to increase awareness of the problems faced by widows around the world. The campaign aims to reduce stigma associated with widowhood. The United Nations advocates for social justice and human rights for all people regardless of gender, race, age or sexual orientation. This day helps us raise our voice against discrimination and bring appropriate changes to improve their condition and status in society.
What to do if you are widowed
There are many life skills widows can learn that will help them get on with their new lives and become independent. Here are some helpful tips:
- Have a plan for continuing the household after the death of the spouse: Learn from friends what tools they use to keep their homes running smoothly after the death of a spouse (cooking, cleaning, organizing).
- Learn how to shop for food and other basic needs yourself: Take as much time as necessary to learn how to cook, keep house, and manage finances.
- Establish a community of friends who will support you; form a social group
Be sure to include women in your new life as well as men.
International Widows' Day
The United Nations is observing a day of mourning and reflection for widows. The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has identified the day as "International Widows' Day" on its website as an annual event. In recent years this date has been observed by public efforts such as a memorial concert in New York City and several others in other parts of the world.
The first International Widows' Day was observed in New York City on June 23, 2011. Today, widows in the United States, around the world, and throughout history have been discriminated against and denied rights such as public assistance, education, and inheritance. It is important to focus widows on their true needs by creating awareness of the issues they face.
Conclusion
June 23 is International Widows' Day and we want to take a moment to recognize the women who have lost a spouse. It can be a very difficult time for those who are left behind. We want to honor their strength and courage, and let them know that they are not alone. By sharing stories and resources with each other, we are creating a sense of community for widows around the world, and together we can get through this difficult time.
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Caption Option #1:
June 23 is International Widows' Day -- a day of observance by the United Nations, which was established to raise awareness about the challenges faced by widows around the world. This blog is to help you understand the issues faced by widows and what you can do to help make their lives a little easier.
Caption Option #2
The first officially recognized International Widows' Day on June 23, 2011 was marked with a conference held in the United Nations headquarters in New York. According to its founder, Raj Loomba, women in many countries experience great hardship after their husbands die. The observance falls on June 23 because Loomba's mother became a widow on that date in 1954.
Caption Option #3
There has been a significant increase in the number of widow's globally. Widows are economically disadvantaged and face social isolation. In developing countries where support systems are limited or non-existent, the challenges women face become more acute.
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