Widows for Peace through Democracy (WPD), founded by Margaret Owen OBE, works to ensure that widows of all ages, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, caste, age or nationality, are protected from violence and marginalisation and can enjoy their full human rights.
We prioritise marginalised widows in the world’s most war-torn and poverty-stricken regions, empowering widows’ organisations in each country to demand a better life for widows and their children.
OUR WORK
WPD has ECOSOC consultative status at the United Nations and members of The NGO Committee on the Status of Women, Geneva (NGO CSW Geneva). This means we can participate fully in the UN system by attending UN sessions and submitting official reports on widows’ concerns.
See more
OUR NETWORK
WPD has a growing global network, with network members and partners throughout the world.
Our focus is widows in conflict and post conflict zones.
Our Network | Our Partners
RESEARCH
Our in-depth research provides crucial evidence on widows of all ages.
Essential for governments, charities, local organisations and United Nations agencies.
Dossier on Widowhood to CEDAW
Widows In Crisis
See all our Reports
WIDOWS SPEAK OUT
A dossier of evidence containing case histories and evidence from the world’s leading experts on widowhood issues.
Our ground-breaking report provides invaluable but deeply disturbing evidence of worldwide widow discrimination and abuse.
View Dossier
ARTICLES TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS DAY 2026
From Three Widows to a Movement for Justice: Reflections on the Siaya Widows Protection Act (2025) – Kenya
Improving Healthcare for Poor and Rural Widows – Widows Rejoice Mission, Nigeria
Widows’ Economic Empowerment in Abia State, Nigeria – Widows Development Organisation (WiDO)
When Grief Meets Paperwork: Widowhood, Legal Status and Exclusion in Cox’s Bazar
Conflict Affected Widows: Silence and Absence of Accountability allows Injustice
WPD NEWS & ARTICLES
When Grief Meets Paperwork: Widowhood, Legal Status and Exclusion in Cox’s Bazar
Conflict Affected Widows: Silence and Absence of Accountability allows Injustice
Birthday request from our Founder and President – Margaret Owen, OBE
Accessing Justice for Widows & Half-widows in the Chaos of Conflict #CSW70
NEWS FROM OUR NETWORK
From Three Widows to a Movement for Justice: Reflections on the Siaya Widows Protection Act (2025) – Kenya
Improving Healthcare for Poor and Rural Widows – Widows Rejoice Mission, Nigeria
Widows’ Economic Empowerment in Abia State, Nigeria – Widows Development Organisation (WiDO)
Widows in Gaza and the Impact of War on Their Lives and Their Children
DONATE NOW
Give a voice to widows
Give Now
JOIN OUR GLOBAL NETWORK
Become a network member
Apply here