Happy International Widows Day 2025

TODAY is International Widows Day ! International Widow’s Day is observed annually on June 23. It was officially adopted by the United Nations in 2010 and first celebrated worldwide in 2011 to raise awareness about the discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion that many widows face.

The date has a special significance: on June 23, 1954, Raj Loomba’s mother became Ooo a widow. That date was later chosen in her memory—and to spotlight the global plight of widows.

Ways we want you to join us, Partner with us in the plight of widows

1. Offer Emotional Support

• Listen Without Judgment: Widows often carry both grief and a sense of isolation. Simply being present, listening, and validating their pain is powerful.
  
• Consistent Presence: Grief is long-term. Stay connected even after the initial months when others may drift away.
  
• Invite Inclusion: Include them in gatherings, celebrations, and conversations—without pity, but with dignity and love.

2. Promote Economic Empowerment

• Skills Training & Education: Help widows access vocational training, literacy programs, or small business skills.
  
• Microloans & Grants: Support programs that offer seed capital or financial training to help widows start small businesses.
  
• Job Opportunities: Offer employment or connect them to networks that can support them with job placements or entrepreneurial support.

3. Advocate for Their Legal Rights

In many regions, widows:

• Are denied inheritance or land rights by their husband’s family
  
• Face harmful traditional practices like exclusion, forced into marriage of their spouse’s sibling etc.
  
• Lose their homes or children
  

You can help us at Widow’s Evolve Initiative to 

• Raise awareness about their legal rights.
  
• Support legal aid services or NGOs that help widows reclaim property or custody of children.
  
• Push for policy reforms in your community or nation that protect widows’ rights.

4. Engage in Community-Based Support

•  Help us continue to support Groups like Serendipity House, Nigeria who create safe spaces where widows can share, heal, and build new purposes.
  
• Church or Mosque Ministries: Partner with faith-based organizations like Emmanuel Chapel , Anglican Church of Ascension (to offer spiritual counseling, prayer groups, and widow-specific ministries.
  
• Community Daycare or Schools: Help widows by supporting or creating access to education and care for their children.

5. Speak Up & Educate

• Break the Stigma: In some cultures, widows are unfairly blamed for their husband’s death or are considered “cursed.” Be a voice of truth and compassion.
  
• Use Platforms: Whether through social media, public talks, or writing, help change the narrative around widowhood.
  
• Celebrate Their Strength: Share stories of resilience and courage to inspire others and restore dignity.

6. Pray and Minister with Compassion

• Pray for widows regularly, both personally and in community settings.
  
• Encourage them with scriptures like:
  
  • “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” — Psalm 68:5
    
  • “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless…” — Zechariah 7:10
    
• Help them see themselves as beloved and valuable, not defined by loss but by the promises of God.

7. Support Global Initiatives

• Partner with organizations like:
  
  • Widow’s Evolve Initiative
  • Serendipity House Nigeria 
  • Widows Rights International
    
• Sponsor international projects focused on widows’ education, health, and empowerment.
  

Signed for Widows Evolve Initiative

LadyTaiwo Adejumo