Older Women's League

Founding OWL - The Voice of Midlife and Older Women was founded in 1980 (as the Older Women’s League) after a White House mini-conference on aging in Des Moines, Iowa. The foundation for all future activism by OWL followed from these issues: a recognization of the value of women's work, paid or unpaid; a focus on the economic plight of women in later years; and an attack on inequities inherent in public policy.

Mission As the only national grassroots membership organization to focus solely on issues unique to women as they age, the Older Women’s League (OWL) strives to improve the status and quality of life for midlife and older women. OWL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that accomplishes its work through research, education, and advocacy activities conducted through a chapter network. Now in its 23rd year, OWL provides a strong and effective voice for the more than 58 million women age 40 and over in America.

Education and Advocacy OWL has created powerful and effective grassroots network of over 60 chapters (link to this page) nationwide composed of women and men of all ages dedicated to winning economic, health and social equity for midlife and older women. OWL leaders and members undertake national public education and advocacy campaigns, and work through forums, campaigns and coalitions to put those issues in the public spotlight and on the legislative agenda. OWL works closely with the National Council of Women's Organizations (NCWO), the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO)

OWL’s Mother’s Day Reports, which spotlight issues of critical importance to midlife and older women, have focused on such issues as the health care coverage needs of midlife and older women, Social Security, pension reform, retirement security for women, caregiving, long term care, housing and domestic violence.

National campaigns on key health issues like prescription drugs, Medicare as a women’s health plan, and managed care’s effect on midlife and older women, as well as materials on mental health, osteoporosis, nutrition, and medication interaction, provide women with tools to negotiate the health care system effectively. In 1981 OWL shaped legislation in Oregon which required group health insurance policies to allow former dependents to continue coverage if they paid premiums. This Legislation laid the groundwork for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) law. OWL has testified at congressional hearings on Social Security, the Equal Rights Amendment and long-term care.

Funding Membership dues and donations, and grants from foundations and corporations are OWL’s prime funding sources.