Internationally, over 350 million widows endure systemic disinheritance of their rightful property and eviction. They are marginalized by institutionalized discrimination against women across laws, policy, and culture. Many become victims of violent and mandatory traditional cleansing rights. Together, widows and their children, are sent into poverty, suffering human trafficking, child marriage, and further violence. 

It’s time we begin to recognize the needs of widows, and their families, if we are to end poverty, ensure gender equality, and seek lasting peace and security.

It’s time to #MakeWidowsMatter. 

We call for:

1) US Congressional recognition of International Widows' Day annually on June 23 by Congressional resolution or member statements https://www.un.org/en/observances/widows-day 

2) Introduction and passage of legislation ensuring that the protection and monitoring of widows’ rights are prioritized in the future issuance of foreign aid.

3) Require the U.S. Department of State to include widows in its international human rights reporting requirements and to create programs to facilitate their economic and legal empowerment.

We are just getting started! Use hashtag #MakeWidowsMatter & tag us @globalwidows!

Global Fund for Widows and the global widowhood rights activists, including Modern Widows' Club (USA) and the Alliance for the Last Woman First support these important proposals to improve the lives of widows worldwide.

 #GlobalFundForWidows #ModernWidowsClub #MakeWidowsMatter #OneMillionWidows #WidowAdvocacy #WidowRights #CovidIsaWidowMaker