International Widows day observed on 23 June

23 June: International Widows Day

International Widows Day was observed across the globe on 23 June 2014.

To give special recognition to the situation of widows of all ages and across regions and cultures, the United Nations General Assembly declared 23 June 2011 as the first-ever International Widows’ Day, to be celebrated annually.

Abuse of widows and their children constitutes one of the most serious violations of human rights and obstacles to development today. Millions of the world’s widows endure extreme poverty, ostracism, violence, homelessness, ill health and discrimination in law and custom.

An estimated 115 million widows live in poverty, and 81 million have suffered physical abuse. Some 40 million widows live in India, 15000 alone, on the streets of the Holy City of Vrindavan.

Widow Protection Bill

Founder of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak recently drafted a bill for the protection of widows in India.

Thousands of widows living in Vrindavan expressed their desire to give a push to the Widow Protection Bill in the Budget session of the Parliament.

If you have any Question/Point on the above information, please ask/discuss it in the Current Affairs Group.