Local Bodies Directed to Celebrate ‘Single Women’s Day’ on June 23

Mumbai: In a historic and progressive move to eradicate the inhumane and derogatory treatment meted out to widows under the guise of outdated customs and traditions, the Maharashtra state government has taken a landmark decision. Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare announced in a high-level meeting at the Mantralaya that the respectful term ‘Single Woman’ (Ekal Mahila) will henceforth be used in all official government communications and within society, replacing the word ‘Widow’ (Vidhwa). To initiate this cultural shift, directives have been issued to celebrate ‘Single Women’s Day’ across all local self-government bodies in the state on June 23.

Minister Aditi Tatkare has instructed all municipal corporations, municipal councils, nagar panchayats, and gram panchayats to observe June 23 declared by the United Nations as International Widows’ Day—as ‘Single Women’s Day’ at the local administration level. Local authorities have been ordered to respectfully invite all single women from villages and cities to these events. This directive comes on the heels of a special review meeting held at the Mantralaya to discuss the grievances, expectations, and necessary measures for single women, as the state government is currently in the process of drafting a comprehensive ‘Single Women Policy’.

• Dignity by Law: Minister Tatkare emphasized that the dignified term ‘Single Woman’ must strictly replace ‘Widow’ across all societal and administrative domains.
• Gram Sabha Resolutions: To ensure that single women are not subjected to demeaning treatment based on regressive traditions, Gram Sabhas and urban local bodies have been directed to pass special mandatory resolutions to protect their honor.
• Policy Feedback: During the June 23 programs, local administrations will gather direct feedback, suggestions, and expectations from women regarding the provisions to be included in the proposed state policy, which will then be forwarded to the government.
• Economic & Social Welfare: The primary objective of this initiative is to identify and resolve the social, financial, and administrative challenges faced by single women, ensuring that various government welfare schemes reach them effectively.
• Empowerment Drives: Aligning with the bicentenary (200th) birth anniversary year of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, the events will honor his historic contribution to women’s empowerment. Furthermore, the administration will host discussions on employment and self-employment opportunities, making targeted efforts to enroll women who are not yet part of self-help groups (SHGs).