On International Widows’ Day, June 23, it has been recognized to take a look at some of the issues affecting widows around the world and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights.
Experience from past pandemics, for example, HIV/AIDS and Ebola, 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 is an area that needs urgent attention.
The United Nations has observed June 23 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 outstanding support that they need. 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 the rights of widows, weaknesses in the judicial systems of many States 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. Recognizing this day reminds us of our commitment towards Goal 5 of the UN SDGs for 2030 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
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Shristi Banerjee,
Practising Advocate, High Court of Jharkhand (India)