According to the United Nation estimate, there are around 258 million widows around the world and about one in every 10 widows lives in extreme poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has also added to this problem in many parts as people lose their partners to this deadly virus. International Widow Day was adopted June 23rd officially by the United National General Assembly on December 23, 2010.
The theme for this year’s International Widow Day is “Invisible Women, Invisible Problems”. This year’s theme tends to highlight the truth that for many societies a woman’s identity is tied to her partner and the problems faced by her after his death are
It was acknowledged by the United Nations that widows are invisible to policymakers when they draw out national policies to address the problems of citizens. Policies focus upon common citizens, laborers, jobless youth, and other suffering segments of society, however widows are ignored by policymakers. This is a condemnable act that more than 258 million people are ignored categorically by the policymakers only because they are widows.
The Anneozeng Ogozi Aid Foundation visited the widows of Elijah’s Widows and Orphans Mission International in Niger State to commemorate the International Widows Day. AOAF supported the widows with African wrappers and gave them skill acquisition training to help cater for their wellbeing.