What is International Widows' Day?
Every year, International Widows' Day (June 23rd) gives special attention to widows of all ages around the world.
In developing countries, the widow crisis is particularly acute. Some of the problems widows face in these countries include poverty, violence, societal stigmatization, and health problems. According to recent estimates, there are about 258 million widows in the world. Nearly one out of ten widows lives in extreme poverty. This is because many widows don't have access to credit or other economic services, including jobs, which includes employment.
In emerging countries, widows in poor countries also face significant instances of violence. This brutality 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 do not have access to health services. The details may be kept from a widow's husband's death of AIDS if they were to die of AIDS. Some widows may have AIDS or HIV and not even know it. Many women in developing countries lose their husbands to conflict-related events. In a refugee camp, widows must flee their country, and they can't worry about themselves and their children.'
