Widows for Peace through Democracy (WPD), founded by Margaret Owen OBE, works to make sure widows of all ages, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, caste, age or nationality, are protected from violence, marginalisation and can enjoy their full human rights.

We prioritise marginalised widows in the world’s most war-torn and poverty stricken countries, 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
This means we can participate fully in the UN system by attending UN sessions, submitting official reports on widows’ concerns, and holding UN side events. Many charities do not have this advantage. Help us to make best use of our exceptional UN status.

Research
Our timely in-depth research provides the crucial evidence needed on widows of all ages by governments, charities, local organisations and the United Nations agencies to prioritise the acute needs of widows in every country with solutions and policies that are fully widow-sensitive and widow-responsive.

WIDOWS SPEAK OUT

A dossier of evidence containing case histories and evidence from the world`s leading experts on widowhood issues.
Read dossier

OUR NEWS & BLOGS

The Right of the Child: The Intersectional Dilemma of Widowed Children

As the 90th session of the Commission on the Rights of the Child is under way, it is of the utmost importance to reflect on the lack of awareness surrounding ...

Invisible Widows – coming out of the shadows? #CSW66

After real concerted pressure from civil society, finally, the word widows appears not once but twice in the Agreed Conclusions of the The sixty-sixth session of the UN Commission on ...

‘UN Resolution on the Situation of Widows is a Milestone!’ – Margaret Owen, OBE

It is indeed a triumph to see this Resolution adopted by the UN - it makes our 27-year long struggle worthwhile. This Resolution will also give much confidence to our ...

The Gendered Impact of Climate Change

Widows are faced with a unique situation when it comes to climate change. The experience of gender inequality shared by many women globally combined with the perceived ‘burden’ of widows ...

NEWS FROM OUR NETWORK

Women’s Day: Celebrating Widow Change Makers in Covid-19 Times

Widows, male champions and other active citizens became a new face of social and human rights defenders in rural villages ...

Guild for Service and Ma Dham: A ray of hope in the city of widows in India

Niharika Goel interviews Dr Mohini Giri about the Ma Dham Shelter in Vrindavan.
The Ma Dham Shelter home was set ...

#16Days of Activism: Celebrate, Advocate, Encourage a Widow

Rona Foundation is a widow human rights organisation in Kenya and a partner of WPD.
During this year's 16 Days ...

Education charity reaches out to widows of all ages

Widows for Peace Through Democracy (WPD) welcomes new network member Education Saves Lives. The UK charity was inspired by an ...