International Widows’ Day 2024 was celebrated in Noklak town on 18 June 2024 with Principal IETC & Director SAMETI, Dr Watila Jamir, as guest of honour, and EAC Noklak, Kathyinla, as special guest. The program was organized by Hope Channel in collaboration with NStCB and Noklak Town Baptist Church.
Dr Watila Jamir, speaking on the occasion, mentioned that in traditional societies, women often find themselves left in poverty when their husbands die. Many women are denied inheritance and rights, evicted from their homes, and abused.
“On this day, let us create awareness about the problems faced by widows, including their economic opportunities, health care, and legal rights. We must also strive to free widows from social stigma and discrimination,” she added.
Further, Jamir called for a commitment to developing resources and policies to empower widows, enabling them to create a life for themselves and their children after the death of their husbands, thus ending the cycle of poverty.
EAC Noklak, Kathyinla, in her speech, mentioned that International Widows’ Day was launched by the United Nations in 2010 to raise awareness of the human rights violations that widows suffer in many countries following the death of their spouses. According to UN data, there are more than 258 million widows around the world. Today, armed conflict, displacement, and the COVID-19 pandemic have left tens of thousands of women newly widowed.
On behalf of the District Administration, she expressed her sincere appreciation to Hope Channel for organising International Widows’ Day 2024 in Noklak. She also stated that the District Administration is ready to render all possible help in the days to come.
Earlier, a special prayer for single mothers was led by Pastor A. Penglang of Noklak Town Baptist Church. The program was hosted by Thongkoi LS, and the vote of thanks was delivered by the Director of Hope Channel, Tiakala Amri.