What is International Widows' Day?
Every year on June 23rd, International Widows' Day gives special attention to the worldwide situation of widows of all ages and nations.
In developing countries, the widow crisis is particularly difficult. Poverty, violence, societal stigmatization, and health problems are among the problems faced by widows in these countries. According to recent estimates, there are around 258 million widows in the world. Nearly one in ten widows lives in extreme poverty. Many widows don't have access to credit or other economic services, including jobs, which includes employment.
In addition, widows in developing countries face frequent instances of violence. This violence is particularly prevalent in Africa and Asia. Widows in these countries are often victims of physical and mental violence. Widows are also compelled to engage in life-threatening activities that are part of their husband's burial rites. For example, widows may be compelled to drink the water their husband's body was washed in.
widows often suffer from health problems as a result of inadequate diet and a lack of adequate shelter. Many widows are unable to obtain health care because they are not able to obtain health services. If a widow's husband died of AIDS, the information may be kept from them. This means that some widows may have AIDS or HIV and not even know it. Many women in developing countries lose their husbands to conflict-related situations. In a refugee camp, widows must flee their country, and they can't worry about themselves and their children.
