This article describes some of the abusive practices to which widows are subject, and discusses some of the possible reasons for these practices. It describes steps being undertaken at the local level in many countries to challenge abuse of widows, and change cultural perceptions of widowhood. The aim is that widowhood may have as little social or economic impact on widows as it does on widowers. The article also briefly discusses the lack of specific concern and recognition of the abuse of widows in the international human rights instruments, and recommends support for campaigns to remedy this.