International Widows' Day

International Widows' Day History

International Widows' Day is a global occasion that strives to raise awareness about the various plights faced by widows and their children, as well as the need to provide them with the necessary resources for a better future. The observance emphasizes the importance of supporting widows in legal, economic, and social spheres to ensure their inclusion, dignity, and protection. This day also highlights the contributions widows make in society and the challenges they overcome after the loss of their spouse.

The United Nations officially recognized International Widows' Day in December 2010, following the efforts of the Loomba Foundation, which was founded in 1997 to empower widows and educate their children. Canadians are encouraged to recognize the day as an opportunity to support the millions of widows around the world who often face poverty, violence, and discrimination after losing their partners. By showing solidarity, Canadians can contribute to raising awareness, advocating for change, and fostering global partnerships addressing these critical issues.

In Canada, International Widows' Day is characterized by numerous awareness campaigns, workshops, and charity events aimed at helping widows and their families both within the country and beyond. Various non-profit organizations and individuals participate in these activities to share stories, provide support, and give voices to the often marginalized group. International Widows' Day is observed annually on June 23, allowing Canadians to reflect on the importance of supporting widows around the world and ensure that they have the tools to lead dignified, secure, and fulfilling lives.

Facts about International Widows' Day

• In some countries, widows are forced to take part in rituals, such as drinking the water used to wash the body of their dead husband or have sex with an in-law or stranger.
• Women are more likely to be widowed than men for two reasons:
  1) Women live longer than men;
  2) Women tend to marry older men.
• Widowhood is more common amongst women than men. This can be attributed to factors such as women generally having a longer life expectancy than men and the tendency for women to marry older partners.
• The number of widows in Canada is projected to increase in the coming years due to an aging population and longer life expectancies.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Widows' Day

Top things to do in Canada for International Widows' Day

• Donate or volunteer for Widows and Orphans International. All funds that are donated are used to help support widows in need. There are lots of volunteer opportunities in countries such as Kenya that allow volunteers to help widows and orphans get their lives back on track.
• Use the hashtags #InternationalWidowsDay, #IWD and #WidowsDay on social media to help spread awareness of the holiday.
• Watch a Canadian film about widows. Here are some suggestions:
  1.Not My Time to Go: The Personal Account of a Survivor of the Air India Flight 182 (2001) - This Canadian-made documentary follows the story of a widow who lost her husband in the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985.
  2. Safety in Mourning (2017) - An insightful short documentary that gives a voice to Canadian widows and shares their experiences of love, loss, and grief.
  3. The Widower (2004) - A Canadian drama film that follows a newly widowed man as he tries to navigate life without his wife.
• Read a book to learn about widowhood in Canada. Here are our recommendations:
  1. Canadian Widows: Battles for Equality by Kathleen G. Cook
  2. The Canadian Widow's Guide by Lise Lazure
  3. Widowhood in Canada: Reinventing My Life by Deborah Barrie