16th UN International Widows Day observed in New Delhi

The 16th United Nations International Widows Day was observed at the British Council in New Delhi on Tuesday in collaboration with the Loomba Foundation, the CII Foundation, and Sulabh International. The event brought together distinguished leaders, advocates, and beneficiaries to underscore the urgent need for dignity, justice, and empowerment for widows worldwide.

The occasion coincided with the International Widows’ Rights Summit held at the House of Lords in London, where a Universal Declaration was adopted. The declaration emphasised that no widow should lose her societal standing, home, livelihood, or dignity following the loss of her spouse. It called for recognising widows not solely as recipients of aid but as equal members of society and agents of change.

At the New Delhi event, the opening address was delivered by Helen Silvester, Regional Director of the British Council South Asia, who reiterated the organisation’s commitment to social inclusion. She also presented a brief documentary.