Global community marks International Widows Day
 
Today, the global community is marking International Widows Day. 

On this day, governments are being tasked to take action to uphold their commitment 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. 

The UN says 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.

It is estimated that there are some 258 million widows around the world, with over 115 million of them living in deep poverty. 

The UN maintains that empowering widows through access to adequate healthcare, education, decent work and full participation in decision-making among others will give them a chance to build a secure life after bereavement.

SOURCE: UN
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