Women's Rights Activist, Agaw Kothia Kuany, the founder of Healing Hands Initiative o0n the commemoration of International Widows’ Day. Photo credit: Awan Moses/Eye Radio.

A women’s rights activist has called on the government and development partners to strengthen protection and support systems for widows across South Sudan, citing the economic and social hardships many face after losing their spouses.

The appeal came as the world marked International Widows’ Day on June 23, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by widows and promoting their rights and dignity.

Speaking on Eye Radio’s Dawn program on Tuesday morning, Agaw Kothia Kuany, founder of the Healing Hands Initiative, said many widows are left to shoulder the responsibility of raising children alone, often without adequate education, employment opportunities, or financial support.

She urged the government to enact and enforce laws that protect widows and their children, while expanding access to affordable education and economic opportunities.

“We want the government to set clear laws that protect widows and our children. Education should be made affordable to prevent children from ending up on the streets, and scholarships should be provided to relieve the burden on widows,” Agaw said.

She also called on humanitarian organizations and non-governmental organizations to invest in skills training and economic empowerment programs for widows, noting that many women can improve their livelihoods if given the necessary support.

“Even if they are not educated, skilling them can help them earn a living. Small support such as training, start-up capital, sewing machines, restaurants, or tea stalls can help a widow support her family and make a difference in their lives,” she added.

According to Agaw, her organization, Healing Hands Initiative, works to empower widows through training and livelihood programs but faces challenges due to limited funding and resources.

Beyond support for widows, Agaw urged men to take proactive steps to safeguard their families by involving their wives in financial matters and ensuring proper succession planning.

She encouraged married men to share information about their assets and businesses with their spouses, arguing that many widows struggle after the death of a husband because they are unaware of family properties, investments, or financial arrangements.

“If you have wealth or businesses, let your wife be part of the journey and know what you are doing. If something happens to you, she will know where to start and how to take care of the children,” she said.

Agaw further advised men to write wills in accordance with the law and regularly update employment and insurance records to ensure their spouses are recognized as next of kin.

She said such measures could help prevent disputes over inheritance and protect families from financial uncertainty following the death of a breadwinner.

International Widows’ Day is observed annually on June 23 to highlight the challenges faced by widows worldwide and advocate for their rights, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.

According to the United Nations, millions of widows globally continue to face discrimination, poverty, and barriers to accessing property, inheritance, education, and employment.