The plight of widows is swift growing and underestimated. Losing a husband often plunges a woman into a state of "enforced widowhood," where cultural or legal bonds strip her of possessions, land, and even children.
Illuminating the plight of widows across continents and cultures.
In Africa, "property grabbing" often leaves widows destitute.
In Asia, widows often face ritual sanctions and identity loss.
In the West, widowhood frequently triggers a sharp income drop.
Widows are rising as agents of change to champion their cause.
The plight of widows is swift growing and underestimated. Losing a husband often plunges a woman into a state of "enforced widowhood," where cultural or legal bonds strip her of possessions, land, and even children.
Hover over the dots to see regional challenges
In Malawi, widowhood is often described as "Social Death." Property grabbing is widespread; widows fall into extreme poverty the moment they lose their spouses. In Uganda, one widow fought a legal battle against in laws who attempted to take her six children and force her into marriage. With legal aid, she won, but millions serve as silent victims.
India is home to nearly 40 million widows. Here, the pronoun "She" is often metaphorically replaced by "It." Many are abandoned in cities like Vrindavan without support. In Nepal, a patriarchal mindset leads to profound social stigma, economic deprivation, and even accusations of witchcraft.
The tears of widows are not limited to the developing world. In the USA and Europe, large income gaps persist between widows and widowers. Yet, in spite of food insecurity and victimization, widows are agents of change. They need to champion their cause, for progress will not come unless drastic steps are taken.
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