SUPPORTING WIDOWS IN SOUTH AFRICA: ADDRESSING SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND PROMOTING RIGHTS

• Widows in South Africa face unique socio-economic challenges, including grief, loss, economic insecurity, and harmful traditional practices.
• On 30 July, the Department of Social Development observes International Widows Day with a dialogue involving widows and key stakeholders, focusing on self-sufficiency and legal processes.
• The programme aligns with UN General Assembly Resolution 65/189, acknowledging the need to recognise and protect widows’ rights, which, if neglected, can lead to societal exclusion and economic hardship.

Like many South Africans, widows face numerous socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequalities. Additionally, they may endure grief, loss, and trauma after the death of a spouse. Widows often confront economic insecurity, discrimination, stigma, and harmful traditional practices due to their marital status.

In light of these challenges, the Department of Social Development observes International Widows Day on Tuesday, 30 July. The programme will include a dialogue with widows and stakeholders such as the House of Traditional Leaders, the Government Employees Pension Fund, SARS, and the Small Enterprise Development Agency. This engagement aims to help widows and their families become self-sufficient by exploring innovative ways to start their own businesses and providing guidance on claiming their spouses’ estates.

International Widows Day, observed globally on 23 June, is recognised in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 65/189. This resolution acknowledges the plight of widows and emphasises the need to protect their rights. Without such recognition, widows may face disinheritance, extreme poverty, harmful traditional practices, and societal exclusion, and may be denied emotional support and counselling services.

This year’s commemoration in South Africa was postponed to accommodate the transition to the seventh administration of the democratic government. The programme will focus on the challenges and injustices widows encounter, with the goal of finding long-term solutions through dialogue with widows, community members, and stakeholders.