International Widows Day [23 June]

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Jun 7, 2023, 10:46

International Widows Day, celebrated on 23 June, is a UN-recognised day that highlights the plight of countless widows and their dependents in the world. This day aims to amplify the voices of widows that face injustice, discrimination, and poverty. The United Nations adopted International Widows Day in 2010 to raise awareness about the challenges of widowhood.

Widows around the world are subjected to injustice, poverty, and stigma. International Widows Day aims to empower widows and raise awareness about the challenges they face. Learn more about this day, its history, and its significance here.

International Widows Day 2023

The 18th edition of International Widows Day will be celebrated on 23 June 2023. The United Nations adopted this day in 2010 and since then, it is celebrated annually around the world. The severity of the struggles of widows is massively underrepresented in the world. Through International Widows Day, the UN aims to address this issue.

Day

International Widows Day

Celebrated

23 June

Established

2005

Established by

The Loomba Foundation

International Widows Day 2023 Theme

‘Innovation and technology for gender equality’

Objective

To empower widows and raise awareness about the injustice and poverty they are subjected to.

International Widows Day 2023 Theme

The theme of International Widows Day 2023 is ‘Innovation and technology for gender equality’. Every year, the United Nations announces a new theme for this day to raise awareness about the challenges faced by widows. All the events hosted on the day are based on that year’s International Widows Day theme.

Here are some of the older International Widows Day themes:

  • International Widows Day 2022 theme: 'Sustainable Solutions for Widows Financial Independence.'
  • International Widows Day 2021 theme: ‘Invisible Women, Invisible Problems.’
  • International Widows Day 2020 theme: 'I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights.'
  • International Widows Day 2019 theme: ‘Upholding the Human Rights of Widows – The Law and Cultural Practices.’

International Widows Day History

The history of International Widows Day can be traced back to 2005 when the day was celebrated for the first time. The Loomba Foundation established this day to commemorate the day on which Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba became a widow. Check out further details about the International Widows Day history below.

  • The Loomba Foundation established Widows Day in 2005.
  • The idea behind starting this day was to empower widows worldwide, who often struggle to make ends meet and fit in society post the death of their husbands.
  • International Widows Day also commemorates the day on which the mother of Lord Loomba became a widow.
  • On 21 December 2010, the United Nations officially adopted the day.

International Widows Day Significance

Widows face more challenges than one can think of. International Widows Day is significant because it raises awareness about widows’ issues and advocates for better facilities and opportunities for them. It is a day to acknowledge the struggles of widowed women and demand better facilities for them.

Challenges Faced By Widows

On International Widows Day, it is important to acquaint yourself with some of the common challenges faced by widows in society, which are as follows.

  • Social stigma
  • Loss of income
  • Mental trauma
  • Bias and discrimination

Importance of International Widows Day

  • It gives widows around the world the opportunity to come forward and express their struggles.
  • Widows Day empowers all widows by demanding better facilities and opportunities for them.
  • It advocates for the upliftment of women and making them self-sufficient.
  • International Widows Day also addresses the regressive mentality of people regarding women and their place in society.

International Widows Day: Objectives

International Widows Day is the result of the efforts of the Loomba Foundation, which established the day in 2005. The aim of establishing this day was to stir up a conversation about the plight of widows and act on it. Some of the objectives of Widows Day are shared below.

  • One of the primary objectives of this day is to advocate for better opportunities for widows.
  • Another aim is to demand a safe environment for them.
  • International Widows Day also aims to empower women and help them become self-sufficient.

How to Celebrate International Widows Day?

There are many ways in which people celebrate International Widows Day. This day is celebrated worldwide, in countries, such as the US, Rwanda, Syria, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, etc. International Widows Day is a day to raise awareness about the many issues faced by widows in the world. Some of the ways to celebrate this day are as follows.

  • Join the official campaign for Widows Day on social media.
  • Attend conferences and seminars conducted to educate yourself and others about issues related to widowhood.
  • Donate to organizations that work for the welfare of widows.
  • Volunteer with help groups for women to reach out to make a real difference in the lives of needy women.

Important Current Affairs Topics

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit TraffickingList of MLA in Goa
National Statistics DayUnited Nations Public Service Day
World Blood Donor DayInternational Olympic Day
Father’s DayWorld Day Against Child Labor
Global Wind DayWorld Elder Abuse Awareness Day

FAQs on International Widows Day

Q1. When is International Widows Day?

International Widows Day is celebrated on 23 June every year. This day is observed to highlight the struggles of widowhood and to amplify the voices of widows who struggle with poverty, bias, and injustice. The United Nations adopted International Widows Day in 2010 to raise awareness.

Q2. What is the International Widows Day 2023 theme?

‘Innovation and technology for gender equality’ is the theme of International Widows Day 2023. Technological knowledge is important to grab the best opportunities in today’s world. International Widows Day 2023 theme aims to help widows realize this fact and work on it.

Q3. Who started International Widows Day and when?

The Loomba Foundation started International Widows Day on 23 June 2005. The aim behind establishing this day was to empower all widows who face injustice and poverty because of widowhood. Realizing the importance of this, the UN adopted this day in 2010 and now it is celebrated annually around the world.

Q4. Why do we celebrate International Widows Day?

International Widows Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the challenges of widowhood. In many cultures around the world, widows are subjected to great injustice. Widowhood also often leads to women experiencing poverty and humiliation. International Widows Day is celebrated to regard this issue and take action against it.

Q5. What was the theme of International Widows Day 2022?

International Widows Day 2022 theme was 'Sustainable Solutions for Widows Financial Independence.' Every year, the United Nations announces a new theme for International Widows Day to raise awareness about issues related to widowhood.

Q6. How to celebrate International Widows Day?

International Widows Day is celebrated in many different ways. Some of the most popular International Widows Day activities include the following.

  • Joining the campaign for Widows Day on social media.
  • Attending conferences and seminars conducted to discuss issues related to widowhood.
  • Donating to organizations that work for the welfare of widows.