New Delhi, 23 June 2026: Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, in partnership with The Loomba Foundation, CII Foundation, Sankalp Smarak, and the British Council, commemorated the 16th UN International Widows Day in New Delhi under the theme “Justice, Dignity and Empowerment.” The event brought together leaders from government, industry, civil society, the United Nations, and the Indian Army to reaffirm their commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, inclusion, and economic empowerment of widowed women.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Ms Helen Silvester, Regional Director, British Council South Asia, who highlighted the transformative role of education and lifelong learning in building confidence, opportunity, and empowerment, particularly for widows and other marginalised women. A short film by The Loomba Foundation showcased its global efforts to champion the rights and recognition of widows and its role in securing United Nations recognition of International Widows Day.
In his opening remarks, Mr B. Thiagarajan, Chair, CII National Committee on CSR, called for a shift from charity-based approaches to a rights-based framework that promotes justice, dignity, and economic independence for widowed women. Reflecting on his own experience of being raised by a widowed mother, he underscored the resilience of widows and the importance of creating opportunities that enable them to thrive.
A documentary by Sulabh International highlighted the organisation’s pioneering work with widowed women across Vrindavan, Varanasi, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Punjab. The film showcased how Sulabh, inspired by the vision of its founder, Padma Vibhushan Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, has worked to restore dignity, self-respect, and social acceptance to widowed women who have often faced exclusion and marginalisation.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Nitya Pathak, Executive Convener, Sulabh International, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to carrying forward Dr Pathak’s humanitarian vision through initiatives that promote dignity, self-reliance, and social inclusion for widowed women. Paying tribute to their courage and resilience, she said, “All widowed mothers are like mothers to us. Nothing gives us greater happiness than seeing them happy, respected, and self-reliant.”
The event also featured distinguished speakers including Ms Lakshmi Puri, former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and former Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, who described widow empowerment as an essential component of the global agenda for gender equality. She emphasised that widows must be recognised not as beneficiaries alone, but as contributors, leaders, caregivers, and agents of change. Ms Sminu Jindal, Chair of the CII National Committee on Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Sports, highlighted the importance of accessible infrastructure and inclusive public services in enabling women to live independently and with dignity.
One of the most moving segments of the programme was “Stories of Resilience,” where widowed women supported by Sulabh International and The Loomba Foundation shared personal journeys of loss, struggle, and transformation. Their testimonies demonstrated how access to livelihoods, skills training, community support, and social acceptance can help rebuild lives with confidence and hope.
The Guest of Honour, Lt Gen Ranjeet Singh, AVSM, Director General, Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare, Adjutant General’s Branch, Indian Army, highlighted the Army’s comprehensive welfare initiatives for widows of fallen soldiers and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring dignity, support, and opportunities for their families.
The programme concluded with a renewed call for collective action among governments, civil society organisations, industry, and communities to build a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society for widowed women. Inspired by the vision of Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh International remains committed to restoring dignity, hope, and opportunities for widowed women and ensuring that every mother receives the respect and recognition she deserves.
