Supporting Charities that Help Widows

There is a group of women who need special care and attention but often find themselves marginalized and ignored: widows. Charities that help widows understand the myriad of difficult situations women find themselves in once their spouses die. From cultural assumptions to legislative restrictions, widows are one of the most vulnerable groups in the world.

The United Nations estimates that there are 258 million widows in the world. The plight of widows is a deeply entrenched issue that demands urgent attention. With their unique circumstances and vulnerabilities, widows often face a myriad of challenges ranging from denial of inheritance rights to enduring extreme stigma and discrimination. To shed light on the experiences and amplify the voices of widows, the United Nations designated June 23 as International Widows’ Day in 2011 “to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.”[1]

“Experience from the past, shows that widows are often denied inheritance rights, have their property grabbed after the death of a partner, and can face extreme stigma and discrimination, as perceived ‘carriers’ of disease,” the United Nations reports. “Worldwide, women are much less likely to have access to old age pensions than men, so the death of a spouse can lead to destitution for older women.”[2]

Now more than ever, charities that help widows are crucial. Despite the progress made in restoring rights and justice to widows in this century, they continue to be marginalized in various parts of the world, including developed nations. Effectively providing help for widows requires tailored approaches that address the specific needs of each country or region.

According to a 2021 report by UN Women, the denial of equal inheritance rights persists in many countries, subjecting widows to unjust practices such as land stripping, eviction, and even separation from their children. Additionally, widows may be denied access to inheritance, bank accounts, and credit, intensifying the financial hardships faced by them, their children, and future generations. Shockingly, nearly one in ten widows worldwide lives in extreme poverty.[3]

Organizations that help widows and orphans must be prepared to address the barriers that they encounter. Orphaned children, who often face hardships such as the loss of parental support and limited access to education and healthcare, require special attention. Additionally, in many parts of Africa, marriage guarantees women’s rights, including property ownership, further emphasizing the importance of supporting widows.[4]

“Women frequently inherit nothing when a marriage ends, and official legal systems offer little recourse,” reports the World Bank. “Some may even lose their children to the husband’s lineage. Broader patterns of gender inequality add to the heavy burden on women’s shoulders. They are shut out of labor markets, have fewer productive assets, and bear greater responsibility for the care of children and the elderly.”[5]