A widow is a woman whose spouse has died, while a widower is a man whose spouse has died. The state of having lost one’s spouse to death is termed widowhood.
Source: Wikipedia
Some of the Problems faced by Widows in India
- Inheritance Rights: Majority of Indian widows are deprived of their inheritance rights. If a widow has adult son, she may enjoy it but if she is childless or has only daughters she actually faces problems. Although the ‘Hindu succession Act 1969’ made women eligible to inherits equally with men. Conflicts overland and property are often so bad that brother-in-law force the widow to leave the village.
- Prohibitions of Remarriage: Some castes prohibit remarriage of widows. Other allow it provided that it is within the family. If a widow marries away, she loses her children as well as property. The higher the caste, the more likely it is that remarriage is forbidden.
- Observation of Mourning Rights: They are bound to observe some mourning rights in the family and society. They have to wear white sarees, forgoing all cosmetics, no bangles, no nose rings, flowers, Kumkum and jewelry.
- Victim of Violence: They are commonly accused of having caused her husband’s death. In addition, many part of India, especially in tribes, they are killed sometimes.
- Economy Problem: Most of them come across economic hardship during their life. They are bound to send their children to work to earn income instead of sending them to school for education. Employment opportunities for them is low because of low mobility and gender division of labor.
Source: IndiaTimes
AidWidows is planning to provide comfortable, clean and hygienic boarding and lodging facilities with nursing and medical care. It’s an experiment in community living where every member is made to feel at home without the impersonal atmosphere of an old age and widow home.
Vridavan - The City of Wiidows in India
Located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavan is historically renowned as the place where Princess of Mewar Mirabai devoted herself to the reverence of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan is home to nearly 20,000 widows, who have been shunned by their communities in different parts of India.
Courtesy: InUth I Source: Youtube