Trapped in a Cycle of Abuse: Safeguarding Older Women’s Rights and Ensuring their Wellbeing

(From left to right) Dr. Theresa Susan, Dr. Upasana Singh, Dr. Manju Kak, Kalyani Raj, Sudha Acharya, Arjanita Elezaj, Dr. Roberta Nassar, Beth Finkel, Navina Sitaram, Mary Archana Fernandez, Dr. Gibi Varghese.

During Women’s History Month, four organizations came together to shed light on an often-overlooked issue— the distinct challenges faced by older women. On March 17th, the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers (IFS), and the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) joined forces to host this critical discussion.

The panel, moderated by Sudha Acharya, Executive Director of SACSS, featured seven women leaders dedicated to driving change and advocating for elder women’s rights. They highlighted the pressing issues older women face, drawing from their experiences working in social services and advocacy.

Key Issues Discussed

One of the key topics discussed was emotional and financial abuse, which many older women experience, including abandonment and exploitation for money.

Dr. Manju Kak, Hon. Secretary General of the All India Women’s Conference, provided an in-depth analysis of this troubling issue. In her remarks, she highlighted how often older women are left vulnerable and subjected to financial manipulation by their own family members.

Arjanita Elezaj, Director of Direct Services at the NYC Department for the Aging, spoke about the importance of a reciprocal approach to elder care. She emphasized that today’s youth must not ignore the struggles faced by the elderly, as they will one day face similar challenges.

Another crucial issue discussed was the growing problem of financial scams targeting older individuals. Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP New York, addressed the alarming rise in scams, such as romance schemes and fraudulent cases where perpetrators pose as family members in distress and demand money.

Mary Archana Fernandez, Director of Family Support Services at SACSS, shared real-life case studies of financial and exploitative abuse she has encountered as a social worker. She emphasized the urgent need to empower South Asian seniors to set boundaries, recognize exploitation, and speak out against abuse without fear or stigma.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Gibi Varghese and Dr. Theresa Susan shared insights into the geriatric services provided by the AIWC Trivandrum branch. Through photos, they showcased programs designed to bring joy to seniors’ lives, ensuring that activities like singing, dancing, and music remain an integral part of their daily routines.

This important conversation took place as part of CSW69 / Beijing+30, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark agreement on women’s rights and gender equality adopted in 1995. The event was held from March 10 to March 21, 2025, during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 69 session.

By bringing these issues to the forefront, the discussion aimed to drive greater awareness and action toward protecting and empowering older women worldwide.