Human Rights and Widows

In many countries the status of women without men is very low; most often they are extremely marginalized from all aspects of the society. Widowhood is a problem throughout the world where violence and severe discrimination are increasing due to conflict unawareness and patriarchal societies in which we live. Widows are viewed as the curse to their families often blamed of their husbands death where their struggle is invisible and their needs become a distant dream. All of these factors restrict a womans ability to lead a dignified and empowered life. In India there are an estimated 40 million widows many of whom are child widows who have succumbed to a life of discrimination. Self-immolation of widows occurs where women are facing severe cruelty from their community and husbands family where they feel that there is no way out other than ending their life. Globally sexual exploitation occurs between widows and their in-laws families leading to psychological trauma violence economic insecurity and displacement of their children. Protection of this invisible group of women worldwide must be recognized especially in developing countries as numerous human rights abuses are occurring against widows every day. The present book is on the socio-economic and psychological condition of widows in India especially Vrindavan. The study of Vrindavans widows is done on the basis of field survey. In this book we tried to attempt not only their condition before widowhood and after widowhood but also their economic condition and the way of surviving after coming to Vrindavan. The book also shows how these widows are in vulnerable condition and what they expect from the government. And last suggestions given by these widows as well as by authors for their welfare. Contents : Introduction : Objectives and Methodology : Socio-Economic and Psychological Condition of Widows in Vrindavan City : Economic Condition of the Widows in Vrindavan City : Vulnerability of Widows in Vrindavan City : Conclusion and Suggestions