This is aimed at ensuring women’s participation and contribution in the development process.

The country’s population comprises 52 per cent of women, while there are 24.3 pc female-headed households.

Not only widows, but also women whose husbands are elderly, ill, alcoholics, irresponsible or due abandonment have to head their families.

When the husbands have been called away to outstations or overseas due to their jobs women have to head their homes temporarily, while there are homes headed by unmarried women.

Children, especially girls, are exposed to threats in female-headed families.

The Women’s affairs ministry says the action plan include health and mental support, livelihood development, security and social welfare and other aspects.