What is International Widow’s Day?

Introduction

International Widows’ Day is June 23. It is a great way for people to learn about the challenges faced by widows and their families. It’s also a time to celebrate the strength, courage and resiliency of these wonderful women.

Stereotypical image of a widow

When you think of a widow, what comes to mind? Do you picture a woman in her seventies, eighties or nineties, who lives alone and has no family. She’s sad and lonely, but she can’t seem to find happiness anywhere. She’s also poor because her husband was the only one who worked and provided for the family.

Maybe you picture the family matriarch like the late Queen Elizabeth II. Dressed in all black sitting alone, isolated at the funeral of her late husband, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Probably what you don’t picture is a young woman without a speck of gray hair. She’s in her twenties, thirties, or forties. She may or may not have kids and a family.

You’re probably thinking: “What? I thought only old ladies were widows.” Widows can be young or old, rich or poor, educated or uneducated and gay or straight. In fact, there is no set definition of what a widow looks like because the word itself doesn’t tell us anything about their appearance or background. It’s time we stop using outdated stereotypes to define our lives as widows–and start celebrating who we are today!

Breaking widow stereotypes

This stereotype of an old widow is not only inaccurate–it can be harmful as well! It paints a very negative picture of widows that may make them feel ashamed or embarrassed about their status. It makes it seem like they’re a burden on society, and that their lives are not worth living. The stereotype also ignores the fact that many women are widowed at a young age, possibly leaving them with children to raise on their own. The truth is that widows are not all the same. Some widows are in their fifties, some are in their twenties or thirties.

Widows come from all walks of life. They are not just old women living in poverty, but they may be your doctor, your neighbor or a member of your family. They are often portrayed as being bitter and unhappy, but this is not always the case. Widows can be just like anyone else, dealing with their grief in different ways. The stereotype of the sad, lonely widow also ignores the fact that many widows have found happiness and are thriving. They have found a new purpose in life after the death of their husband or partner. Widows do not want to be pitied, but instead want people to recognize them as individuals who have strengths and weaknesses just like everyone else. They are strong women who have been through a lot of heartache, but they didn’t let this stop them from living their lives or making something out of it.

Who are widows?

What does it mean to be a widow? Widows are women who have lost their husband, partner or spouse. Widows can be of any age, race, sexual orientation or religion and come from all walks of life. Widows may have been married for many years or just a few months; some may have had children together while others did not; some widows knew that their husbands were sick before they died while others were completely unprepared for what was about to happen.

Some widows love being single again, while others find it extremely difficult to adjust to life without their husband or partner. There are many different types of grief, and the way that widow feel about their loss will differ from person to person. Some widows may want to get out there and meet new people; others may want to spend more time with their family and friends instead.

Widows can be young or old; they can be rich or poor; they can have children or not. The only thing that makes them different from other people is that they have lost their spouse or partner. It’s important to remember that not everyone experiences widowhood in the same way.

I’m a widow. My fiancé died in 2021 when I was only 37 years old. I am still grieving the loss of my partner and best friend–and adjusting to life without him is hard work! It is a constant struggle to move forward, but I am trying. Being a young widow is a lonely and isolating feeling. I was looking around at those the same age as myself (family, friends, acquaintances) and realizing I had entered a stage in my life that they had no experience or knowledge. How was I going to cope and move forward with my life? Who would understand? I have a wonderful support group of family and friends. I have also sought out other young widows and a therapist I could be open and honest with my battles. I struggled with grief, depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD. It has been a long two years to get to the point I am now. I recognize that I am a survivor and have started to find hope and joy again in my everyday life. I am still struggling.

Young widows

If you’re a young widow yourself, you might feel like no one understands what it’s like for you. Your friends may seem happy and carefree; meanwhile, your world has been turned upside down by death. You might worry about whether or not anyone else has gone through what you’re experiencing now–especially if they’ve haven’t lost their husband or partner! You may feel like you don’t have anyone to talk to. You might also feel like people are talking about you behind your back, because they don’t know what to say when they see you. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn for help or support. There are many young widows who have lost their husbands or partners. They support one another and listen to each other’s problems.

What is International Widow’s Day?

The United Nations has declared June 23 as International Widows Day, a day of action to address the “poverty and injustice” that millions of widows face around the world. The Loomba Foundation created International Widows Day to raise awareness of the many issues faced by widows around the world. June 23 was the day in 1954 when Pushpa Wati Loomba, mother of Lord Loomba’s founder and namesake, died. In 2005, Lord Loomba and Cherie Blair launched the first International Widows Day. By the 6th International Widows Day in 2010, events were held in Rwanda, Sri Lanka, the United States, the UK, Nepal, Syria, Kenya, India, Bangladesh and South Africa.

Back in 2010, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously endorsed President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s proposal to make June 23 International Widows Day. The resolution recognized June 23 as a day of observance for widows and called on “Member States, the United Nations system and other international organizations to give special attention to the plight of widows.”

It’s a day to celebrate and honor widows, as well as recognize the strength, courage and resilience that comes with being left behind.

This day also serves as an opportunity for women to remember those we have lost–whether it be our partner or spouse–and reflect upon what they meant in our lives.

International Widow’s Day aims to raise awareness about the hardships that come with being left behind, as well as celebrate those who continue on despite their loss. The day was created in the hopes that it would help widows connect with one another and support each other through their struggles. It is also meant to raise awareness of the issues faced by widows on a daily basis.

Widows have been celebrated in many cultures, and the day is meant to honor those women who are still living. It’s a way for us to acknowledge the strength of the human spirit. Many widows suffer from depression, anxiety and other issues that come with losing one’s partner.

What are the primary losses in widowhood?

Loss of a partner

This is the most obvious loss in widowhood. It can be hard to imagine life without your spouse or partner. The loss can cause you to feel lonely and isolated, as well as anxious about what your future holds without them. The loss of a spouse or partner can also mean the loss of someone who was your best friend. You may have shared many experiences with your partner, and now you don’t have anyone to share them with anymore. A spouse or partner can often be the person you turn to when you need support and encouragement. After they die, this source of support is gone. You may feel isolated and alone. In some cultures, widows are expected to live a life of solitude and mourning after losing their spouse. In other areas, widows are encouraged to move on with their lives as soon as possible. The amount of time you spend grieving is up to you and your family.

Loss of home

You may have owned or rented your home before your husband or partner died. But after they’re gone, you might not be able to afford the mortgage or rent payments on your own. If this happens, it can be devastating for you and your family. You may have to move out of a house that’s important to you — one that has happy memories associated with it. If you’re a widow, you may feel hopeless and angry about losing your home.

Social network

Widows often lose many friends after becoming widowed due to everyone else having busy lives themselves where they don’t always have time available anymore either way. When someone dies, it’s common for friends to stop calling and visiting. They may feel awkward about how to talk with you about what’s happened, or perhaps they just don’t know what else to say that would help make things better. It’s also possible that others just think they should be there for you. However, this can be very difficult on them too because they may feel like they’re intruding into your grief or making you feel worse by being around when you’re already feeling so low. Friendships often change after a spouse dies because people tend not to visit widows as much as they would visit couples who are still together.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to let people know what you want from them. Let them know that if they want to call or visit, they should be prepared to talk about other things besides your loss. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by visitors, it’s okay to ask them not to come for a while. This may seem harsh or unfriendly, but it’s better than having people come by who don’t know what else to say or do except sit and stare at their shoes.

If you’re feeling lonely, consider getting involved with a grief support group or talking to a therapist. You can talk about how this is affecting your life and what it means for those who are left behind.

What are secondary losses in widowhood?

Widowhood is a time of great loss and grief. The loss of a spouse or partner can be devastating. This death can lead to many secondary losses, including, but not limited to:

Identity/Confidence

You may find yourself questioning who you are without them. You may be unsure of how to define yourself or your future. The death of your husband or partner often changes how you think about yourself, your family, and the world around you. It may also change your surrounding social support network. This can make it harder to cope with the death of a spouse or partner. You may find that you need help from others or want to talk about your feelings. You can ask for support from friends, family members, other people who have experienced similar losses or a therapist.

If you are thinking about taking your own life because of the death of a spouse, please reach out for help. There are people that can help you cope with your loss and get through this difficult time in your life.

Purpose/Dreams

Widowhood can leave a person feeling purposeless and less motivated than before their spouse died; this is especially true if they had shared interests in their life together. You have also loss the plans and dreams you had for the future. This may include having children, growing old together and enjoying retirement. You may be wondering if those dreams are possible anymore. The loss of a spouse can have a huge impact on your life. It is important to take time to mourn and grieve for the loss of this special person in your life. If you’re feeling this way, you may be wondering if there is any reason to go on living. You might feel like your life has no purpose anymore and that it’s pointless to continue on. If this is how you’re feeling, please reach out for help. There are people that can help you cope with your loss and help get you through this difficult time in your life.

Financial security

A widow may experience a loss of income and/or financial assets if their spouse or partner was the main breadwinner in the family. They may also have to take on additional responsibilities at work or home in order to make up for the lost income. If you’re a widow, it can be difficult to adjust to your new financial situation.

Intimacy

Loss of intimacy after losing a spouse or partner can be lonely. It can also be difficult to adjust to the fact that you no longer have someone with whom you can share your deepest feelings, thoughts and desires. A widow may feel that they are no longer as attractive or desirable as before or feel guilt for still desiring intimacy in their lives.

Faith

A widow may struggle with their faith after the loss of their spouse or partner. It can be difficult to believe in God’s plan when you feel that your life has been turned upside down. You may feel that God has abandoned you or that he does not care about your pain and suffering. You may question why your spouse or partner had to die, especially if the death was untimely or unexpected. A widow may experience feelings of guilt after their husband or partner dies. They may feel guilty for not being able to save their partner from dying or for not being there when it happened. It’s easy to feel angry with God and question why this happened in your life. You may feel resentful towards God for allowing this tragedy to happen. You may feel guilty for not having faith in the first place or believing that God would help you through your difficult times. Some widows may even turn away from religion altogether after losing someone they love so deeply.

Health

A widow may make changes in their lifestyle, such as eating, sleeping, or exercise. They are also at higher risk for heart disease and stroke because of the stress that comes with losing a spouse. Widows will often delay their own healthcare needs while caring for an ill husband or partner. The profound grief following the loss of a partner or spouse has far-reaching consequences for a widow’s mental and physical health. Additionally, bereavement and social adjustments following a partner’s loss often postpone self-care. The physical and emotional effects of widowhood are evidenced in a variety of ways. The mortality risk for widows almost doubles in the first 3 months following widowhood.

Cardiovascular events are just one physical health risk associated with widowhood. The risk of prediabetes, particularly for those with a family history of dyslipidemia, has been significantly associated with widowhood. Continued stress from traumatic events can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes especially among older women. Other studies have identified hypertension, hip fractures, vascular-related diseases, and periodontal disease as risks for widows in the first months and years after their loss.

Bereavement impacts a widow’s mental health and behavior, including an increased risk for depression, poor nutrition, and sleep disturbances. Widowhood may also accelerate cognitive decline over time. Widows are at a greater risk for unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as poor eating habits and lack of regular exercise as a result of the changes in daily activities brought about by their loss. Some widows increase their alcohol intake in their efforts to cope, leading to alcohol use disorders. Substance abuse is another coping mechanism. These all lead to the potential decline in overall health and increased risk for death.

The Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory assessment tool lists the death of a spouse as the highest mean value stressful life event and risk factor for stress-induced health breakdown. Changes in one’s financial situation and housing arrangements can magnify the stress, which raises the odds of having a major health breakdown within 2 years following the loss to 50% to 80%.

Widowhood can also lead to social isolation and loneliness. Recent reports suggest that these factors put widows at risk for a 50% increase for dementia, a 29% increase for heart disease, a 32% increase for stroke, as well as profound effects on the body’s inflammatory response.

Health issues in widows are not limited to short-term experiences, and researchers have suggested that the physical effects of bereavement often last longer than 1 year. A cross-sectional descriptive survey of 173 widows showed that grief lasted up to at least 5 years after the spouse/partner’s death. Participants in the study reported that there was a connection between their stress and the development of physical symptoms such as pain, gastrointestinal problems, medical/surgical conditions, sleep disturbances, and neurologic/circulatory issues.

What is widows brain/fog?

You may have heard the term “widow’s brain/fog.” This refers to the unique experience of being a widow and can be described as a time of loss, grief, sadness and confusion. Many widows experience brain fog, also known as widow brain or widow fog. This is a collection of symptoms that can affect your ability to think, sometimes presenting as confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty with attention, and the inability to put thoughts into words. The onset, intensity and duration varies. Widows describe it as not being able to think straight. Some have said it feels like “I am losing my mind.” It is “losing” your cell phone while talking on it. You stop speaking mid-sentence because you forget what you are talking about. I’ve found milk in the cupboard; my keys in the refrigerator on top of ice cream; and my cell phone in the freezer. Simple tasks become impossible, like when I tried putting on my pants after I’ve tied my shoes. Many of these experiences are accompanied by frustration, and rightfully so. Imagine being able to do something your entire life and then not being able to do it. Something you could do yesterday, you can’t do today. Imagine being articulate and then not being able to formulate a simple sentence. It’s emotional. Your coping mechanism to shield you from the emotional trauma associated with loss. It’s physical. You may feel drained and unable to function at the same levels as before. It’s neurological. You are unable to make sense of what is going on inside your head.

Women can get help from others who have been through this experience.

You can get help from others who have been through this experience. As a widow, you may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can often be the result of losing someone who was your closest confidant and support system. It is important to reach out to others in order to get the help that you need during this time period. In addition to the resources below, you can also search local community centers or churches for information on support groups that are specific to your area.

Help is available online and in person, including support groups for widows and their families. You may also want to consider calling on a professional counselor or therapist who can provide you with the support and guidance that you need. If you don’t know where to start looking for help or just want someone else’s perspective on what you’re going through right now–whether it’s loneliness or dealing with financial stressors–you may find comfort in reaching out over email or phone calls with other widows like yourself. If you have a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor who is a widow, these resources are helpful to better understand their situation and needs.

There are many online support communities for widows, including:

Modern Widows Club (http://www.modernwidowsclub.org)

They are pioneers in solutions, support, and research for widows worldwide. They help you transform your grief after loss into a positive, purposeful future while embracing your own strength and courage. They are widows helping widows through in-person and virtual support groups, clubs and activities, travel opportunities, educational courses, mentoring programs, conferences, videos, podcasts, opportunities for advocacy and philanthropy, and more. They support widows of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, beliefs, faiths, partner statuses, and loss circumstances.

Widows Worldwide (http://www.widowsworldwide.org)

They are a non-profit organization that provides peer support, information and resources to widows around the world.

The Widow Web (http://www.widowweb.com)

They offer articles, forums and chat rooms where you can connect with other widows who have been through similar experiences in their lives.

Widowvile (http://www.widowville.com)

They offers support groups, articles and forums to help widows deal with the loss of their husbands and move forward in life.

Conclusion

I hope that you have enjoyed reading about International Widow’s Day and some of issues facing widows. It can be a difficult time, but there are many ways to help yourself as well as others around you who may be going through similar experiences. I hope that by learning more about this topic we can all become more aware of its importance and work together towards making the world a better place for those left behind after losing their husbands or partners. You are not alone.

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