⏰ 3 Min
Invisible Women, Invisible Problems
For many women around the world, the devastating loss of a partner is magnified by a long-term fight for their basic rights and dignity. Despite the fact that there are more than 258 million widows around the world, widows have historically been left unseen, unsupported, and unmeasured in our societies.
Today, as armed conflicts, displacement and migration, and the COVID-19 pandemic leave tens of thousands of women newly widowed and many others whose partners are missing or disappeared, the unique experiences and needs of widows must be brought to the forefront, with their voices leading the way.
Experience from the past shows that widows are often denied inheritance rights, have their property grabbed after the death of a partner, and can face extreme stigma and discrimination, as perceived ‘carriers’ of disease. Worldwide, women are much less likely to have access to old age pensions than men, so the death of a spouse can lead to destitution for older women. In the context of lockdowns and economic closures, widows may not have access to bank accounts and pensions to pay for healthcare if they, too, become ill or to support themselves and their children. With lone-mother families and single older women already particularly vulnerable to poverty, this area needs urgent attention.
On International Widows’ Day, 23 June, look at some of the issues affecting widows worldwide and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights.
Some of the more challenging and serious problems for widows in developing countries are:
- Poverty
- Violence
- Health
- Conflict-related situations
Towards Progress for Widows
The United Nations observed 23 June as International Widows Day (resolution A/RES/65/189) since 2011 to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.
Now more than ever, this day is an opportunity for action toward achieving full rights and recognition for widows. This includes providing them with information on access to a fair share of their inheritance, land, and productive resources; pensions and social protection that are not based on marital status alone; decent work and equal pay; and education and training opportunities. Empowering widows to support themselves and their families also means addressing social stigmas that create exclusion and discriminatory or harmful practices.
Furthermore, Governments should take action to uphold their commitments 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. Even when national laws exist to protect widows’ rights, weaknesses in many States’ judicial systems compromise how widows’ rights are defended in practice and should be addressed. Lack of awareness and discrimination by judicial officials can cause widows to avoid turning to the justice system to seek reparations.
Programs and policies for ending violence against widows and their children, poverty alleviation, education, and other support to widows of all ages also need to be undertaken, including in the context of action plans to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In post-conflict situations, widows should be brought in to participate fully in peacebuilding and reconciliation processes to ensure that they contribute to sustainable peace and security.
And in the context of COVID-19, widows must not be left out of our work to “build back better.” Let us ensure that our recovery prioritizes their unique needs and supports societies to be more inclusive, resilient, and equal for all.
Did you know?
- There are an estimated 258 million widows around the world, and nearly one in ten live in extreme poverty.
- In some parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, for instance, it is reported that around 50% of women are widows.
- Widows are coerced into participating in harmful, degrading, and even life-threatening traditional practices as part of burial and mourning rites.
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