Widows in Rural Bangladesh: An Analysis

Thousands of the widows of all ages in rural Bangladesh endure extreme poverty, ostracism, violence, homelessness, ill health and discrimination in law and custom. A lack of inheritance and land rights, widow abuse and the rules of remarriage practices of widows are prime examples of human rights violations. In this article, an attempt has been made to provide a socio-economic status for widowhood and social security in the context of widowhood; laws and customs regarding widow's inheritance and the situation of widows who remarry. The article also looks into the needs of specific groups of widows and widowhood; widows’ access to employment; changes in ways of life and the problems the widows and their children face. The article concludes with a summary of widowhood as a human rights issue, a global overview of widows, roles of the government and non-governmental organizations and some recommendations for future action.