International Widows Day
June 23
About International Widows Day
International Widows Day is observed on 23 June each year. The United Nations day shines a light on the human rights issues, poverty, and stigma faced by hundreds of millions of widows around the world. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday 23 June.
What is International Widows Day?
International Widows Day is a United Nations observance dedicated to the rights and welfare of widows worldwide. It was established by the Loomba Foundation, a UK-based charity founded by Lord Raj Loomba, and was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2010. The day calls on governments and international organisations to address the discrimination, violence, and economic insecurity that widows can face, especially in countries where there is little legal protection for women after the death of a spouse.
When is International Widows Day?
International Widows Day takes place every year on 23 June. In 2026 it falls on a Tuesday. The Loomba Foundation, the UN, and partner organisations run events around the date, with high-level meetings, advocacy sessions, and on-the-ground programmes for widows in dozens of countries. The official hashtag is #InternationalWidowsDay.
Why International Widows Day Matters
The Loomba Foundation estimates there are more than 258 million widows worldwide, of whom over a tenth live in extreme poverty. Many widows face entrenched discrimination, including loss of inheritance rights, social exclusion, harmful mourning rituals, and exposure to gender-based violence. In some communities widows are blamed for their husband’s death, denied access to family land, and forced to leave their homes. Children of widows are often pulled out of school to support the household. The day exists to challenge those injustices and to fund practical support such as livelihood training, scholarships for widows’ children, and legal aid.
How to Get Involved in International Widows Day
There are practical ways for individuals, employers, faith communities, and policymakers to take part:
- Donate to widows’ charities – The Loomba Foundation, Widows for Peace through Democracy, and Global Fund for Widows all support widows in low-income countries.
- Sponsor a child of a widow – The Loomba Foundation runs scholarship programmes that keep children in school after the loss of a parent.
- Share survivor stories – Posting widow-led stories on social media with permission helps shift damaging stereotypes about widowhood.
- Push for legal reform – Lobby governments to ratify and enforce CEDAW, ensure equal inheritance rights, and outlaw harmful widowhood rituals.
- Host a community fundraiser – Schools, employers, and faith groups can run sponsored events on or around 23 June.
- Support widow-owned businesses – Many widows in lower-income countries run small businesses; fair-trade purchasing channels income directly to them.
- Talk to widows in your own community – Many widows in higher-income countries also face isolation, financial hardship, and grief; checking in is a powerful first step.
History of International Widows Day
The Loomba Foundation was established in 1997 in the UK by Raj and Veena Loomba, in memory of Raj’s mother Pushpa Wati Loomba, who was widowed in Punjab on 23 June 1954 and faced significant social and economic discrimination as a result. The Foundation was officially launched in 1998 by then UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Cherie Blair CBE KC. From its earliest days the charity worked to support widows and their children in countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.
The Foundation began campaigning for a global day to highlight the rights of widows in 2005, holding the first International Widows Day on 23 June that year. After a sustained five-year campaign, on 21 December 2010 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution A/RES/65/189, designating 23 June as International Widows Day and calling on member states to address the situation of widows. The first official UN-recognised International Widows Day was marked in 2011, and the date now anchors year-round advocacy on widow rights.
Noteworthy Facts About International Widows Day
- The Loomba Foundation was launched in 1997 by Raj and Veena Loomba in the UK.
- 23 June is the date Pushpa Wati Loomba, Raj Loomba’s mother, was widowed in 1954.
- The UN General Assembly adopted International Widows Day on 21 December 2010.
- There are more than 258 million widows worldwide, according to the Loomba Foundation.
- The Foundation has supported widows and their children in more than 16 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Widows Day?
A UN-recognised global day held on 23 June each year that highlights the rights and welfare of widows worldwide.
When is International Widows Day in 2026?
Tuesday 23 June 2026.
Who founded International Widows Day?
The Loomba Foundation, established in 1997 by Lord Raj Loomba and his wife Veena Loomba in the UK.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing International Widows Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtag #InternationalWidowsDay on social media. The more people who challenge stigma around widowhood, the more secure widows and their children become.
Related Awareness Days
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – Falls in the same week and highlights the abuse often faced by older widows.
- International Day of the Midwife – Recognises another vital role in supporting women through life’s transitions.
- World Mental Health Day – Highlights the bereavement, isolation, and grief that can follow widowhood.
Links
- Visit the official UN International Widows Day page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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