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Get ready to honor and support the amazing women who have lost their partners on International Widows' Day on June 23! Created by the United Nations in 2010, this day aims to raise awareness about the challenges that widows around the world face, such as discrimination, poverty, and social isolation. It's a time to recognize their strength and resilience, and to take action towards improving their lives. So let's spread some love and positivity on this day by showing our appreciation for all the widows in our lives.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Unofficial Observation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Loomba Foundation, a UK-based NGO, successfully creates the Widows Day on their own, marking the start of advocacy for global widows issues.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Foundation Report and Advocacy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Loomba Foundation publishes a research report on the plight of widows in developing countries, heightening international recognition and advocacy for this cause.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations officially recognizes June 23 as International Widows' Day, aimed at drawing global attention to the voices and experiences of widows and challenging the stigmas they face.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official UN Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official UN-backed International Widows' Day is observed, expanding its reach to include more countries and advocates from all walks of life.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Progress Insight Report</div><div class='timeline-text'>Loomba Foundation released a report, providing insight on the progress made in the lives of widows in various countries since the inception of International Widows' Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Impact of Covid-19</div><div class='timeline-text'>On International Widows' Day, attention is drawn to the recent impact of Covid-19 on widows who may be doubly affected by the pandemic, increasing efforts to safeguard this vulnerable group.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support a widow-owned business</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for widows by shopping at businesses owned and operated by widows. This will not only help them financially, but also show them that they are valued and appreciated.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a widows’ organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that supports widows and offer your time and skills to help out. Your support will make a difference in the lives of widows and their families.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Raise awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share information about International Widows’ Day and the challenges faced by widows. This will help raise awareness and promote understanding and support for widows around the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraising event, such as a charity dinner or auction, to support widows in need. This is a great way to bring the community together and make a positive impact on the lives of widows.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send a care package to a widow</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a care package filled with items that will bring joy and comfort to a widow. This small gesture can make a big difference in their day and remind them that they are not alone.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for the needs of widows</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Widows' Day is an important reminder to society about the specific challenges that widows face. The day brings attention to issues such as social isolation, discrimination, and economic struggles that are often experienced by widows.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the resilience of widows</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The day also serves as a way to honor the strength and resilience of widows. Many women who have lost their spouses face immense emotional and financial hardships, but they continue to persevere and support themselves and their families.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes support and solidarity for widows</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Widows' Day encourages individuals and organizations to show their support and solidarity for widows around the world. It serves as a reminder to offer help and resources to those in need, as well as creating opportunities for widows to come together and connect with others who share similar experiences.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Widows' Day Has Global Impact</h3><p class='facts-text'>The significance of International Widows' Day encompasses over 245 million widows globally, representing countless nations, cultures, and backgrounds, illustrating the scale and global nature of the issues they face.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Loomba Foundation was the Initiative Behind International Widows' Day</h3><p class='facts-text'>The call to recognize International Widows' Day at the United Nations was initiated by the Loomba Foundation, an NGO that has been advocating for the rights of widows worldwide since 1997.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Date Commemorates a Personal Event </h3><p class='facts-text'>The specific date, June 23rd, was chosen to mark the day in 1954 when Lord Loomba's father died and his mother became a widow, motivating the cause of advocating for widows across the globe.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Change in Cultural Practices a Key Agenda</h3><p class='facts-text'>International Widows' Day encourages communities to review traditional practices that harm and marginalize widows, promoting cultural change on different levels and environments within societies. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Day Advocates for Legal Reform</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the primary objectives of International Widows' Day is to pressure governments worldwide to implement legal reforms that protect the rights of widows and end discriminatory practices against them.</p></div></div>
International Widows' Day is celebrated on June 23 every year. In 2024, the holiday will fall on a Sunday.
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