In many developing countries, a widowed woman faces dire economic and social conditions. Fifty percent of the estimated 250 million widows in the developing world are impoverished. In war torn countries, widows make up nearly 70% of the female population. Upon the death of a husband, a widow is rendered bereft of a household income, becoming challenged in sustaining even the simplest basic needs of shelter, food, and clothing. In some countries, a widow lacks any inheritance rights, even to her own property, and often can even become part of her husband’s estate, being forcibly married to her husband’s next of kin. A widow is denied economic opportunity and faces no prospects of work, at least safe or dignified work. Once widowed, she may no longer be able to educate her children, and may be forced to surrender them, either to an orphanage, to the streets, or worst, to sex traffickers. These forgotten children become the lost generation, with no hope, and no opportunity. As a result, the vicious cycle of poverty ensues. Governments are doing next to nothing to support these women. Though these problems have reached epidemic proportions, they are hardly acknowledged by developed nations. Without your support, these widows will never have a voice, and the vicious cycle of poverty will never be broken. Please, help us bring awareness to the epidemic of widowhood by petitioning the United Nations to bring resources, support, and protection to widows. Please, be a voice for the most destitute and vulnerable people of our world, the widows. Join us.

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