The 2003 World Women's Handball Championship, the 16th handball world championship for women, was played in Croatia between 2 and 14 December 2003.

The following nations were qualified: Top two teams from each group advanced to the Semifinals.

In Zagreb FranceFirst Title Stéphanie Cano, Joanne Dudziak, Myriame Said Mohamed, Isabelle Cendier Ajaguin, Sophie Herbrecht, Estelle Vogein, Leila Lejeune, Isabelle Wendling, Sandrine Delerce, Myriam Borg-Korfanty, Mélinda Jacques-Szabo, Stéphanie Ludwig, Nodjialem Myaro, Valérie Nicolas, Véronique Pecqueux-Rolland, Raphaëlle Tervel.

[1] The greatest efficacy was acquired by shots at the goal line (70%).

[1] Defeated teams were also 17.98% less efficient than the winning ones, not only in goal-scoring but also in number and efficacy of the fast breaks and assists.