COAST REGION: TANZANIA will join the global community on 23 June this year to commemorate International Widows Day, with a renewed focus on strengthening widows’ rights and expanding their access to economic opportunities.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMORALG), Prof Tumaini Nagu, revealed this following communication from the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.
According to the ministry, this year’s national observance will be held at regional level under the theme: “Strengthen Rights, Dignity and Economic Empowerment for Widows.” The theme emphasises the need to ensure widows enjoy their basic rights, are respected in their communities and are able to benefit from available economic opportunities.
Regional authorities have been directed to publicise the event and implement planned activities as outlined by the ministry. The commemoration aims to raise public awareness of challenges facing widows while addressing harmful cultural practices that contribute to their marginalisation.
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It also seeks to promote their social, economic, cultural and intellectual empowerment. Planned interventions include improved access to loans, entrepreneurship training, employment opportunities and participation in income-generating activities.
International Widows Day is observed every 23 June following a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in 2010, which calls on member states to prioritise widows by ensuring access to basic services, reducing poverty and eliminating discrimination, including denial of property rights and forced inheritance practices.
The day also highlights human rights challenges faced by widows following the loss of their spouses. Tanzania observes the day annually in collaboration with stakeholders. According to the 2022 National Population and Housing Census, Tanzania has 1,396,262 widows, representing 4.4 per cent of the female population.