Designates June 23 of each year as "International Widows' Day."
This resolution encourages the state government and public officials to observe International Widows' Day through appropriate programs and activities each year. By proclaiming this day, it seeks to draw attention to the vital issues affecting widows, such as the lack of support from social services, ongoing financial and legal difficulties, as well as mental and physical health concerns faced by this demographic. The intent is to foster a greater understanding of the needs of widows and to promote policy reforms that could alleviate their hardships, including improved bereavement leave and changes to Social Security regulations.
SJR92 is a Senate Joint Resolution introduced in New Jersey that designates June 23 of each year as 'International Widows' Day.' This resolution aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by widows both domestically and globally. It highlights the fact that there are approximately 260 million widows worldwide, with a significant number living in extreme poverty, emphasizing that one in ten widows lead a life below the poverty line. The resolution acknowledges that each year, around one million women in the United States become widowed, and stresses that many widows are often younger than anticipated, with the median age being 59.
While the resolution has been supported broadly, discussions surrounding its implications may focus on the adequacy of state support for widows and the effectiveness of current social services. Some advocates argue that merely designating a day is insufficient without tangible actions to address the issues faced by widows, such as providing more comprehensive services and financial support. Therefore, the resolution represents not just a symbolic gesture but a call for more meaningful advocacy and policy changes to support widows in their daily lives.