Latest news with #InternationalWidowsDay
Canada News.Net
a day ago
- General
- Canada News.Net
London: International Widows Conference issues call to action "Don't Leave Widows Behind" in global push for gender equality
London [UK], June 26 (ANI): Global leaders and advocates gathered at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London on Tuesday for the International Widows Conference, marking the 15th UN International Widows Day, to call for a renewed global commitment to ending the widespread discrimination faced by widows and integrating their rights into the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The International Widows Conference was convened by The Loomba Foundation, as per a release. Under the theme 'Don't Leave Widows Behind', the conference brought together distinguished speakers including Cherie Blair CBE KC, President of The Loomba Foundation; Lakshmi Puri, former UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women; Lord Khan of Burnley, UK Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement; the High Commisioner of Rwanda to the UK, HE Johnston Busingye, and representatives of grassroots organisations from Africa and South Asia. Opening the conference, Cherie Blair reflected on the 28-year journey of the Foundation and the fight to have International Widows Day recognised by the United Nations in 2010. Speaking at the event, she said, 'This is not a day for self-congratulation. It is a day to focus the world's attention on the 258 million widows around the globe--and the tens of millions among them who are trapped in poverty, stigma, isolation and abuse... When widows are given even half a chance, they feed their families, send their children to school, and lead. Yet, the promise of International Widows Day remains unfulfilled for far too many.' The conference served as a powerful platform for reflection and recommitment, underscored by the findings of the Loomba Foundation's landmark 2024 study, Not Leaving Widows Behind. Cited by multiple speakers including Puri and Lord Loomba, the study highlighted that while awareness has grown, the everyday realities for most widows--dispossession, marginalisation, and lack of protection--remain largely unchanged, press release stated. Puri called for 'transformational investment' and laid out five 'vital energies' for widow empowerment: legal reform, economic upliftment, data and accountability, leadership inclusion, and cultural change. 'Widowhood remains one of the most overlooked global injustices,' she said. 'A UN day cannot alone resolve entrenched injustice. That duty falls to all of us.' Representing the UK Government, Lord Khan of Burnley reaffirmed Britain's continued commitment, saying, 'Widowhood is not a marginal concern. It is a global human rights issue affecting over 280 million women. The UK stands with the Loomba Foundation in calling for policies that uphold widows' rights and challenge harmful norms rooted in faith or tradition.' Grassroots leaders such as Dr Lily Thapa of Nepal, Roseline Orwa of Kenya, and Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi of Nigeria shared firsthand experiences of supporting widows in some of the most challenging environments, reminding attendees that meaningful change begins in communities, release stated. Kumar Dilip, President of Sulabh International, invoked the legacy of his late father, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, and the transformative work done with widows in India. He said, 'Let us be clear: the pain of widowhood is often compounded not by fate, but by society... Widows do not need pity--they need power.' Tabitha Morton, Executive Director of UN Women UK, echoed this message in her remarks: 'This is not a peripheral issue. It is central to achieving equality. Let's stop treating widowhood as a side-effect of gender inequality, and start treating it as a structural injustice that demands urgent action.' In closing the conference, Lord Raj Loomba CBE, Founder and Chairman Trustee of The Loomba Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation's mission: 'No woman should be punished for outliving her husband. That is why we are here. That is why we fight. And that is why, together, we will make sure that widows are never left behind.' (ANI)
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
International Widows Day: Widows collective responsibility of civilized society: CM
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on 'International Widows Day' said that the religion of Islam has persuaded its followers to give due respect to the widows as well as equal rights. She highlighted, 'The widows are a collective responsibility of a civilized society. Women who have become widows during wars in Kashmir, Gaza and Iran are a big question mark on the global conscience.' She outlined, 'The Punjab government is not only providing sympathy to the widows but due care and support as well. The widows or single mothers are being given foremost priority in the 'Apni Chhat, Apni Ghar' programme.' She emphasised, 'Children of widows are also being given priority while granting 'Honhaar' scholarships. The Women Protection Authority and the Social Welfare department are ensuring due support and care for the widows across Punjab.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Artificial lake along Route 47 to store rainwater
An artificial lake has been built along the 'CBD Route 47' road in Lahore to store five million gallons of rainwater. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was informed during an early morning surprise visit to various city areas to inspect development projects that the route had been opened for traffic. She visited a new bridge being built on the Walton Road. Route 47 links Kalma Chowk to Walton. There is also a lane allocated for cyclists. Walkways have also been allocated for pedestrians and cyclists on the Walton Railway Crossing Flyover. Solar panels being installed on the flyover will be able to generate one megawatt of electricity. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on the occasion, "Route 47 is another milestone towards attaining a bright and sustainable future for Punjab. It is not just a road but highlights a new chapter of smart development in Punjab." Meanwhile, the chief minister said in her message on International Widows Day that women who had become widows during wars in Kashmir, Gaza and Iran posed a big question mark on the global conscience. She outlined, "The Punjab government is not only providing sympathy to the widows but due care and support as well. The widows and single mothers are being given foremost priority in the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme." She said, "Children of widows are also being given priority while granting Honhaar scholarships. The Women Protection Authority and the social welfare department are ensuring due support and care for the widows across Punjab."
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Widows demand welfare reforms, hold a rally at Mayiladuthurai
Hundreds of women took part in a rally and conference in Mayiladuthurai on Monday, marking International Widows Day with demands for improved welfare measures, housing rights, and legal protection. The rally, which began at Koorai Nadu, concluded at Kenikkarai, where a conference was held to highlight the challenges faced by widows and single women in Tamil Nadu. Organised by the Widows and Destitute Women's Welfare Association, Widows Livelihood Rights Federation (Nagapattinam), and the Kalangarai Social Action Centre, the event focused on long-pending demands. Speakers said the Widows and Destitute Women Welfare Board, formed in 2022, remains inactive, with no ID cards issued so far. Twelve resolutions were passed, including the increase of monthly pension from ₹1,200 to ₹3,000, issuing land pattas to widows living on temple and poramboke lands, and complete liquor prohibition, citing its link to the rise in young widows. Participants called inclusion of widow-specific data in official surveys, and a state policy to address their needs across sectors such as health, education, housing, and employment.
