Widows of War
Honouring Senior Widows of War
“We all belong to each other. We all need each other. It is in serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good that we are finding our true life.”
— Alex Uga, 2017 UNCC Christmas Message
Senior Widow of War – Definition and Context
A Senior Widow of War refers to an elderly woman whose spouse died as a result of armed conflict, civil war, or displacement-related violence. These women are often part of vulnerable populations, especially in refugee and post-conflict settings.
They typically face:
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Emotional trauma from the loss of a partner under violent or traumatic circumstances
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Social isolation, particularly in cultures where widowhood leads to marginalisation
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Limited access to resources, including food, healthcare, legal documentation, and shelter
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Lack of family support, especially if separated from children or extended relatives due to war or displacement
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Invisible status in many humanitarian programs, which often prioritise younger populations or traditional family units
At UNCC, Senior Widows of War are treated with respect, compassion, and priority care. We recognize them not just as survivors, but as keepers of history and culture, and we strive to restore their dignity, independence, and social connection through targeted support services such as:
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Monthly social gatherings with meals and entertainment
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Access to healthcare and mental health support
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Legal aid for documentation and land rights
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Volunteer visits and community care
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Emergency food, hygiene, and clothing assistance
A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
The United Nationals Country-less Children (UNCC) was founded in 2017 with a mission rooted in compassion, dignity, and remembrance. As a benevolent, refugee-led organisation, UNCC supports:
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Senior widows of war
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Veterans and their families
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Stateless children and displaced youth
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Aged caregivers and war-affected elders
At the heart of our work lies a quiet but powerful force: the widows of war—those who lost husbands, sons, brothers, or partners during conflict, exile, or military service. Many of these women are now seniors themselves, living through aging, grief, and survival with enduring strength and wisdom.
Our Commitment to Senior War Widows
At UNCC, we stand with all war widows, regardless of nationality, religion, or the conflict they endured. From civil wars and independence struggles to modern-day displacements, we honour their pain, their perseverance, and their untold stories.
These widows are more than victims of war; they are:
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Keepers of cultural memory
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Pillars of intergenerational care
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Survivors of gender-based loss, poverty, and isolation
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Mentors, storytellers, and community guides
2017: The Year It Began
During UNCC’s first Annual Christmas Conference in 2017, held in a refugee camp in East Africa, a group of senior widows gathered for what became a historic and emotional celebration of solidarity. That day, they unanimously adopted a motto—spoken by elder Alex Uga during his Christmas message:
“We all belong to each other. We all need each other. It is in serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good that we are finding our true life.”
This message continues to guide our ethos today.
Their Voices, Their Wisdom
UNCC believes in preserving and amplifying the voices of senior widows. Through our StoryRights initiative, elder women share their life journeys, reflections, and messages of hope—recorded for generations to come.
These stories speak of:
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The loneliness of widowhood in exile
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The strength of raising children alone
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The wisdom of forgiveness and healing
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The quiet leadership of women in crisis
Our Impact on Senior Widows
UNCC supports widows of war through:
Monthly food packages & senior care
Access to health services, mobility aids, and emotional support
Cultural gatherings, storytelling nights & memory circles
Advocacy for recognition, rights, and dignity
Vocational support for aged widows raising grandchildren
A Global Call to Action
As we continue to build peace from the ashes of war, we honour the mothers of nations, the wives of forgotten soldiers, and the women who have turned grief into community.
If you’ve lost someone to conflict—whether in the hills of South Sudan, the deserts of Sudan, the refugee camps of Uganda, or across the diaspora—you are not alone. UNCC stands with you.
“We all belong to each other.”
Let us live that truth—by supporting those who have lost the most.
Join us in honoring senior widows of war.
Partner. Listen. Support. Remember.
Contact us: www.uncc.agency
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