The Impact of Armed Conflict on Widowhood: Case Studies from Sri Lanka, Cambodia and East Timor

Although wars produce large numbers of widows, little attention has been given in the literature on widowhood to the impact of armed conflicts. This article examines the effects of extended conflicts in Cambodia, East Timor and Sri Lanka on the status of widows, since widowhood often bears a social stigma. Research for the article is based on fieldwork conducted in the three countries between 2004 and 2006 in poor villages affected by civil war and violence, and focused on the work of non-government organizations among women. The article argues that the hopeful aspect of armed conflict is that it makes the contribution of widows to their families and societies more visible. With some effort, organizations can exploit and enhance this visibility to improve the status of women in the longer term.