On June 23 each year, the world focuses on the discrimination and social exclusion faced by widows, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The United Nations designated June 23 as International Widows Day in 2010 to highlight the challenges widows endure due to the loss of their husbands. This initiative, rooted in Punjab, gained global recognition through the efforts of the Loomba Foundation, founded by Lord Raj Loomba CBE in memory of his mother, Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba.
This year marks the 16th UN International Widows Day, with the Loomba Foundation organizing events in New Delhi and London. The foundation’s advocacy aims to address the systemic injustices faced by widows worldwide and raise awareness on a global scale. Widowhood, affecting around 300 million women globally, often leads to poverty, harmful practices, and social ostracism.
Widowhood, historically viewed as a private matter, has gained international attention through the Loomba Foundation’s efforts. The Foundation’s work led to the UN’s recognition of International Widows Day on June 23, emphasizing the importance of empowering widows for gender equality and poverty reduction. The day serves as a reminder of the challenges widows face and the need for inclusive policies to support them.
The Loomba Foundation’s events in New Delhi and London will focus on economic empowerment, skills training, and social integration for widows. These gatherings aim to address the legal and cultural barriers that marginalize widows in Africa and India. By advocating for widows’ rights, the foundation continues to play a crucial role in shaping global policies and raising public awareness on widowhood issues.
