WIDOWS-INDIA
*There are some 33 million widows in India
*Widows comprise 9-11% of the population in India
*Every 4th household in India has a widow
*50%% of the widows in India are over 50 years of age. Many
were married and became widows while still young girls. Many widows are blamed
for their husband's deaths.
*Widows suffer multiple oppressions in India - economic,
social, "worthless and invisible" status - very MARGINALIZED in Indian society,
displacement, victims of bureaucracy and corruption.
Dr. Mohini Giri
Chairperson, Guild of Service, India
Past Chairperson, India National Commission for
Women
