International Widows Day 2025 – Theme, History, Significance

Who is a widow? What is the plight of a widow? Why celebrating widow’s day? Did you ever ask such questions to yourself? If no, it’s high time to think about international widow’s day and its relevance.

International Widows Day 2025 Date –  June 23

In this article readers can get a glimpse on

• History and Objective of International Widows Day
• International Widows Day Theme 2025
• International Widows Day Quiz

History and Objective of International Widows Day

International Widows Day was first launched in 2005 by the Loomba Foundation, founded by Lord Raj Loomba of the UK. The foundation chose June 23 to mark the day because it was the date Lord Loomba’s own mother became a widow. The aim was to draw attention to the many struggles faced by widows worldwide—particularly in developing countries where social exclusion, poverty, and injustice are common. The movement gained global recognition, and in 2010, the United Nations officially adopted the day as an annual observance.

The main objective of International Widows Day is to highlight the rights and needs of widows across the world. It seeks to raise awareness about the discrimination, violence, and deprivation widows often endure. The day encourages governments, communities, and NGOs to take action in supporting widows through legal rights, education, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare. It also aims to change harmful cultural attitudes that further marginalize widows. Ultimately, the day calls for dignity, inclusion, and justice for all widows.

Why International Widow’s Day?

A lady who lost her husband is considered as a widow. It is a global awareness day that is celebrated on 23^rd June annually. The day was observed first in 2010 by United Nations. The day is selected as it is the death day of Raj Loomba’s, the founder of this day, his father Shri Jagiri Lal Loomba died on 23rd June 1954 making Raj’s mother a widow.

This was an attempt to spread awareness among the people about the human rights violation faced by widows across the globe. Following the death of their spouses, the widows are forced to suffer the worst period in their lives. Is it fair? NO.

The traditional society finds widows as ill-fated beings. After the death of their husbands, they are left to suffer poverty and inequality.  They are even denied any land rights or property rights. They are thrown out of their houses, just because they lack a husband. Here is the importance of international widow’s day. The day is celebrated every year to encourage society to treat widows as equal. It is an attempt to reclaim the full rights of widows. International widow day is a brave attempt to make society change the perspectives towards widows. International widow’s day helps to develop policies and programs in favor of widows. There is a need for research and survey to stop the violence and discrimination against widows. Treat them as equals!

The main agenda of international widow’s day is to develop important policies and resources to support and empower widows. It can help widows to get equal treatment in society and to get access to the educational, economic and cultural sector of the society. Observing a day for them can help them to get job, education and health care facilities without any discrimination and facilities a free and peaceful existence for them. It can facilitate a decent life for them and their children too. Equality is the ultimate goal of International Widows Day.

International Widows Day Theme 2025

As of now, the official theme for International Widows Day 2025 has not been announced by the United Nations. Each year, a theme is selected to spotlight a particular issue faced by widows around the world. Previous themes have focused on challenges such as social invisibility, poverty, and access to rights. The upcoming theme is expected to continue this effort by addressing key areas that require global attention and policy action.

Once the theme is declared, it will serve as the central message for campaigns, awareness programs, and international events related to the day. Governments, NGOs, and communities will align their activities to reflect the chosen theme and advocate for meaningful support for widows.

International Widows Day Previous Themes 

International Widows Day, observed annually on June 23, was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, following advocacy by The Loomba Foundation. The day aims to draw attention to the poverty, injustice, and human rights violations faced by millions of widows and their dependents worldwide.

While the core message of advocating for widows’ rights and well-being remains constant, specific themes have been highlighted by the UN and related organizations:

• 2019: “The Law and Cultural Practices” (Focused on how legal frameworks and traditional customs impact widows’ rights)
• 2020: “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” (Aligned with broader UN Women campaigns, emphasizing widows’ rights within the context of gender equality)
• 2021: “Invisible Women, Invisible Problems”
• 2022: “Sustainable Solutions for Widows’ Financial Independence”
• 2023: “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” / “Invisible Women, Invisible Problems” (Both themes were used by different sources, indicating a dual focus on leveraging technology for gender equality and continuing to highlight the overlooked struggles of widows).
• 2024: “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality” (This theme highlights the importance of equal opportunities and non-discrimination for widows).

The Founder of International Widows Day – Raj Loomba

Are you interested in listening to stories? Here is an interesting life slice for you. This is the real-life experience of Raj Loomba, the founder of Widows Day.

Raj Loomba was the fortunate child of a rich father and beautiful mother Pushpa Wati Loomba. The mother of Raj Loomba became unfortunate after the death of her loving husband Shri Jagiri Lal Loomba. He died out of tuberculosis in 1954. Raj is constantly reminded of the struggles of his mother who raised him in the best possible way. It was his mother who made him start a fashion business in the UK. But the unfortunate mother was not even allowed to enter the Mandap or the wedding place of her son Raj.

The priest told everyone that it is unacceptable for society as a widow would bring misfortune to the newly wedded couple. He started to think deeply about the discrimination faced by widows after witnessing his own widowed mother’s humiliating experience. This incident triggered him to celebrate international women day globally to uplift widowed women from the clutches of society. He received much acclaim from both governmental and non-governmental associations working in India and abroad. The government of India played a vital role in helping Raj Loomba to convince international agencies to address the challenges faced by the widows globally. The United Nations has set a target goal of liberating widows from social discrimination and providing support for their growth and development.

Significance of International Widow’s Day

Here are some of the important points which will help you to understand why international and national widows’ day is important. Take a serious look at it!

• It spreads awareness about the challenge the widows face
• Helps to find ways to help the widows globally.
• The policymakers of the national governments are not acknowledging the hardships of the widows
• The widows are ignored consciously by the policymakers
• This day triggers the policymakers to provide equal opportunities for widows across the globe
• It breaks the traditional stigma that widows are outcastes
• Rejects the idea that widows bring misfortune
• It creates the awareness against the stigma that widows are a waste of society or are a burden on national wealth,
• Also, can help to promote the idea that they too play a productive role in the making of the society,
• The day especially reminds everyone of the fact that the widows have the right to remarry.
• The day is encouraging widows and support them to stand on their own feet.

COVID-19 Pandemic and its Relation to Widows Day

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the number of widows worldwide, as many women lost their spouses to the virus. This crisis also exposed the economic and emotional vulnerabilities of widows, especially those who were already living in poverty or working in informal sectors. National and international organizations have since emphasized the need for targeted support, including healthcare, financial aid, and employment opportunities for widows affected by the pandemic. Policymakers are working to implement social protection measures to help widows rebuild their lives and care for their families. Efforts are also being made to allocate emergency funds and long-term assistance programs to ensure widows are not left behind in post-pandemic recovery plans.

Activities for the International Widow’s Day?

Activities on International Widows Day are given below:

• International Widows’ Day is not deemed as a public holiday
• To orient, the people seminars are arranged by NGOs, Government Institutions, and the UNO.
• Help a widow in your neighborhood
• Donate funds for saving widows
• share the known miseries with your friends and followers.
• Encourage widows around you
• Read the stories about widows and urge your loved ones to read and understand their sufferings well
• Donate and volunteer to help the widows for the betterment of the society
• Spread awareness about the importance of the day using the given below hashtags
• Use International Widow’s Day Hashtags

Estimated Number of Widows

According to a recent survey, the total number of people worldwide is approximately 350 million. Of which 80% of the people are widowed women. One out of every 15 people is getting widowed globally. The rate of the number of widows is varying according to the country. So, it is not possible to calculate the exact number of widows worldwide.

National Widow’s Day 2025

In India, National widows’ day is observed on the 3^rd of May annually. The major goal of this particular day is to highlight the discrimination and hardships faced by the widows in the nations. The nation should cater more to the needs of the widows and protect their lives. They can’t be considered outcasts from society. National widow’s day encourages the people to secure the lives of widows and help them in facing the challenges in society.  There are 258 million widows in the world, so each nation must give special attention to the widows in the country. The national widow’s day celebration is an attempt to promote awareness about the issues faced by the widows and to orient the citizens about the importance of equal treatment.

It’s quite interesting to know that the writer Emma Batha has written an article entitled “Which country has the largest number of widows?” in the year 2015 and was published by the World Economic Forum website. This article surveys the near approximately number of widows in the world and the unequal treatment they are facing to date. When you are considering the nations, India is the nation that has the most pathetic communities which are treating widows as ill omens.

Quotes for International Widow’s Day

• “No woman should lose her status, livelihood, or property when her husband dies.”
• “Don’t let your reminiscences bury you down; however, create those  Your strength.”
• “May a man live well-enough and long-enough, to leave many joyful widows behind him.”
• “On the occasion of International Widows Day, I’d like to reassure you that you’ve got a strong woman by your side, and you’ve got someone you’ll always be able to count on.”
• “Hey woman, you will feel lost along with his death; however, it’s starting your soul journey.”
• “Stay strong, lady. You can defeat the world alone. So be happy for the rest of your life.”

Inspiring Books for Widows, by Widows!

• From One Widow to Another: Conversations on the New You by Miriam Neff
• The God of All Comfort: Finding Your Way into His Arms by Dee Brestin
• Little Pieces of Light … Darkness & Personal Growth by Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.
• Letter to a Grieving Heart: Comfort & Hope for Those Who Hurt by Billy Sprague
• Finding Norm by Jana Berndt
• Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo, Sonja Burpo, Lynn Vincent, Colton Burpo
• Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
• Not Alone: 11 Inspiring Stories of Courageous Widows from the Bible by Miriam Neff
• In Light of Eternity: Perspectives on Heaven by Randy Alcorn
• Everyday Comfort Meditations for Seasons of Grief by Randy Becton
• You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times by Max Lucado
• Words To Live By by Sarah Kroenke
• Hope Heals by Sarah Kroenke
• Getting to the Other Side of Grief: Overcoming the Loss of a Spouse by Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge and Robert C. DeVries

International Widows Day Quiz 2025

1. Approximately how many widows are there globally today?

A) 50 million
B) 100 million
C) Over 250 million

Being a child of a single mother, I have an optimistic perspective to share on this topic. I have seen the plights and difficulties of my mother who is a widow, but I can confidently say that any widow out there is not going to weep forever! Losing someone close is a matter of grief, but it can also serve as a strong fire igniting to live better. If you are a widow and a mother, the fire heats up even harder, just like I saw as a young girl in my mother’s eyes. Every single mother out there decides to stay stronger and it’s an appreciable factor. I have seen my mother weeping all night just after the early death of my father. Being a 4-year-old girl, I couldn’t realize its depth, but certainly all I could see in her, looking back now, as a 25-year-old lady is POWER! My mother is my source of encouragement and evidence that women are born to be strong, unbeatable and courageous!

Do you have such stories of widowed Heroes in your life? Share it with us!