Please join us on Facebook and Instagram June 23 for a day of awareness and advocacy for International Widows Day.

Since 2011 the United Nations has observed June 23 as International Widows Day to draw attention to the voices, experiences, and realities of widowed women around the world. In the United States, 1 million women become widowed every year. At nearly 12 million, the U.S. widow population surpasses that of New York City, the country’s most populated metropolis. According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 258 million widows around the globe.

“International Widows Day is an important opportunity to acknowledge and honor not only U.S. widows numbering in the millions, but the hundreds of millions of widows around the world,” said Carolyn Moor, Founder and Development Director of Modern Widows Club (MWC). “Although the observance is not yet recognized by the U.S. government, organizations such as MWC that work in the widowhood space understand how crucial it is to acknowledge and celebrate the day.”

Facing conventional viewpoints, assumptions, and stereotypes about widowhood, and frequently overlooked by local and national government agencies, widows often feel alone, vulnerable, and forgotten, Moor said. “Our mission on International Widows Day is to let widows know they are seen, heard, respected, and loved,” she said.

This year for International Widows Day, MWC will host a series of events, livestreams, educational activities, videos, giveaways, and more.

The events kick off Monday, June 20 with a week-long fundraiser. “Every contribution to support our programs is an investment in the health and well-being of a widow,” said Lyn Kienholz, MWC Program Director. Donations help provide widows around the globe with free services such as in-person and virtual support groups, clubs and activities, and educational courses. Widows continue to receive services long after most become ineligible for traditional grief support.

The activities continue Thursday, June 23 with livestreams from the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London, England where Carolyn Moor will attend The Loomba Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration of International Widows Day. MWC will release its 2022 #OneMillionWidows video featuring photos submitted by widows around the world, and will also release its 2021 Community Report featuring MWC widowhood research data. Three videos will accompany the report, inviting viewing, discussion, and sharing. The day’s other scheduled events include livestreams with MWC team members, interviews with community members, and giveaways.

Download our flyer to learn more about International Widows Day and how you can create impact for widows.

Please join us as a recurring donor on International Widows Day.

Although the global landscape is unpredictable and ever-changing, our mission at Modern Widows Club remains unwavering: To provide a safe, encouraging community where widows can grow and blossom.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, it severely disrupted revenue streams for nonprofits around the country. We were no exception, experiencing a substantial drop in donations. Additionally, public safety considerations necessitated postponement or cancellation of fundraising events and activities, causing further revenue loss.

Despite this loss of funding, but mindful of those experiencing pandemic-related financial difficulties, we suspended all membership fees and community dues so that every widow could continue connecting with our services. We quickly mobilized staff and resources, moving programs online. We distributed microgrants to widows experiencing hardship due to illness or job loss.

Our revenue levels have not recovered from the downturn. Yet the need for our services grows daily. In the two-year period ending December 2021, we experienced a 166% increase in request for our services.

This year on International Widows Day, we’re asking 10,000 new recurring donors to join us in honor of the more than 10,000 women widowed every 4 days in the United States. Your tax-deductible gift of even $1 a month will make a difference.

Thank you for helping women grow, blossom, and thrive in widowhood.

#OneMillionWidows Photo Album