One of the most sensitive yet often ignored struggles in society is that of widows. Widows face harsh realities, including financial hardship, social discrimination, emotional stress, lack of support, and the challenges of raising children alone. These struggles often go unnoticed in a society that is already apprehensive of single women. Without an accompanying male counterpart, these women are often ostracised from social situations, all while dealing with safety and security risks when out alone.
Moreover, due to a lack of social and financial support, many are forced to take unsafe jobs, resort to begging, or enter exploitative relationships just to provide for their children.
It is both a moral and religious obligation on us to acknowledge their pain and alleviate their hardships. Policymakers and authority figures must establish and implement laws that offer governmental support in the form of employment or welfare programmes to widows.
Alongside structural measures, we as a society should be sensitive to the hardships they face and offer help whenever we can.
Zareef Ahmed
Turbat
