Maharashtra villages ended widow discrimination practices

Over 7,000 villages in Maharashtra have abolished discriminatory customs against widows. This follows the 2022 resolution in Herwad, the first village to ban rituals like removing the "mangalsutra" and bangles. The trend includes integrating widows into social events. This initiative reflects a shift from traditional practices. The National Human Rights Commission issued an advisory last year supporting widow's rights. Village leaders report increased awareness and a decline in discriminatory practices, though complete eradication remains a work in progress. Various villages are also taking additional steps. These include financial aid, inclusion in self-help groups, and pension support. Activists are advocating for broader awareness campaigns and potentially stronger legal protections against such customs.