The 1981 Women's World Outdoor Bowls Championship was held at the Willowdale Bowling Club in Toronto, Canada, from 1–15 August 1981. Swaziland replaced Samoa two weeks before the competition started due to the Samoan General StrikeNorma Shaw of England won the singles Gold and double world champion Elsie Wilkie struggled with the difficult greens finishing last of 18. The Pairs went to Ireland, the Triples to Hong Kong and the Fours to England. The Taylor Trophy was won by the English team.