Lord Raj Loomba graciously accepted the first ever Global Women 4 Well-being (GW4W) Voice for Change Award for his work advocating for better treatment of widows around the world. Speaking at an event on the 5th March, held to mark International Women's Day 2020, he thanked GW4W for their recognition of his work over 20 years that has resulted in improving the lives of many millions of widows throughout the world. GW4W, in presenting Lord Loomba with the award, was keen to commend his "commitment to helping to empower so many women, with a focus on gender equity and being a leader in creating positive social change."
Praising Lord Loomba for his, leadership and example for others to follow, GW4W in presenting the award also wanted to publicly mark his phenomenal achievement in getting the UN to name June 23rd, the day his own mother became a widow at the age of 36, as International Widows Day. It was, they said, a monumental achievement.
Addressing an audience of distinguished guests at Willis Towers Watson, Lord Loomba noted, "The aim of the Sustainable Development Goals: to leave 'no one behind', could have been written as a strapline for the Loomba Foundation. The Loomba Foundation is determined to leave no one behind as it follows its aims and objectives in helping widows and their dependents worldwide." Underpinning this ethos was making sure through his work that, widows, who are ostracised, marginalised, downtrodden and suffer double discrimination both as women and as widows are not forgotten, and are empowered to allow them the dignity of leading fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Lord Loomba lauded GW4W for their work in promoting gender equality and advocating for better understanding and treatment for women regarding their mental health."Global Women are doing a magnificent job of improving the lives of women the world over and inspiring others to do the same," he said. Emphasising GW4W's admirable work in promoting better outcomes for women across the globe, Lord Loomba declared, "Their latest project in conjunction with SHINE and the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health is, dare I say it, a shining example of how to make change happen by supporting work that improves the lives of many, many millions of women."
