Widowhood and Women Vulnerability: Notes of Narration

Widowhood is the situation that designates a distinct portion of a persons life that begins with the death of a spouse. The details of each component related to widowhood have an important impact on what each man or woman misses, which aspects of his or her life are most urgent to rebuild or replace as a widow or widower. Experience of being a widow and widower is different based on the social relations attached to them in their own societies. This study was based on the post- war situation of Sri Lanka and the research has studied the widows of fallen security personals of the Tri forces of Sri Lanka. It has examined the research problem of what are the implications of women as a widow and how widowhood makes women vulnerable. The primary data were collected from three Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) in the Matara District of Sri Lanka. A sample of 14 respondents was selected through purposive sampling method. In-depth interview method employed to gather the primary data of this research. This study was conducted from June to December 2016. As per the findings of the research, the women who became widows of their young age were psychologically disturbed due to the sudden death of their spouse. Losing the father to a child and being a single mother were mainly described as the prime issue of their life. Social isolation was obvious in these widows life and they were isolated from social relationships due to the social stigma attached to the widowhood. The patriarchal structures prevail in the society influences the womens life though the widowhood and adjusting to widowhood was not easy for the widows of war.