Empowering Widows in Development

Publications

A World of Widows  by Margaret Owen, published by Zed Books Ltd in 1996

This unique book is the first to provide a overview of the status of widowhood in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Neglected by social policy researchers, international human rights activists and the women’s movement, the status of the world's widows - legal, social, cultural and economic - is an extremely urgent issue given the extent and severity of the discrimination against them.

The author explores the process of becoming a widow; poverty and social security in the context of widowhood; differing laws and customs regarding widows’ inheritance; the situation of widows who remarry and issues of sexuality and health. She also looks at the needs of specific groups of widows - refugees, older widows, child widows - and widowhood in the context of AIDS. Throughout, she shows the prevalence of discrimination against widows in inheritance rights, land ownership, custody of children, security of home and shelter, nutrition and health. The book concludes with a summary of widowhood as a human rights issue and an overview of widows themselves organizing for change.

"A fascinating and very detailed book . . . . essential reading for anyone concerned with human rights and development issues." Kate Young, WOMANKIND Worldwide

The book was researched with support from Planet 21 and the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (SIDA)

Margaret Owen trained as a lawyer and is former Head of Law and Policy and the International Planned Parenthood Federation. Specialising in women, law and development, Maragaret has done extensive consultancy work: for the World Health Organisation on law and population, and women and AIDS in Africa and Asia; at the International Labour Office on home-based producers and the informal sector; and in the Women in Development Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Margaret has also been instrumental in developing and teaching courses in Women In Development, law and rural development at a number of British universities. She is now EWD's International Advocate.

Zed Books Ltd

ISBN 1 85649 419 5 Hb. ISBN 1 85649 420 9 Pb