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 is an area that needs urgent attention.
On International Widows’ Day, 23 June, take a look at some of the issues affecting widows around the world
and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights.
Towards Progress for Widows
The United Nations observes 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 towards 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 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.
Programmes 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 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.
