Today, we are able to see the often ignored plight of widows around the world.

Women who lose their husbands due to illness or war face many challenges around the globe. Not all women have their families to help them.

It is hard and difficult to lose a loved one. This day aims at providing support for widows and to ensure they are fully recognized and protected in their country.

Many countries have widowed women in situations where their inheritance rights are not protected.

When their husband dies, some are forced to endure life-threatening, painful, or degrading mourning and burial practices. Some may be removed from their homes, separated from their children, and denied access to healthcare.

In some countries, a woman’s rights are only tied to her husband. She may lose her place in society if her husband passes away. These situations can lead to women being forced to marry another male relative of their husbands.

Some cultures consider widows to be cursed or linked with witchcraft. This often leads to them being separated from their community, and sometimes outcast with their children.

International Widow’s Day aims to end this ostracizing, better educate communities about the needs of vulnerable women like widows, and empower them with access to education and healthcare for their children.

The 65th UN General Assembly established this day as a worldwide recognized day in 2010.

Governments around the globe are reminded today to ensure that widows’ rights are protected by international laws and that their rights are upheld by judicial systems.

Donations to charities, sponsorship of widows or their children and support them in school are all options. You can make small donations that can help a widow or her children. It is worth spreading the word about the need for widows around the globe.

Many charities such as Oxfam or Muslim Aid ensure that a portion of their donations go to widowed women in developing countries.

Make sure you spread the word on International Widows Day by using the hashtag #internationalwidowsday on your social networking profiles.