Global Fund for Widows
The Global Fund for Widows (GFW) is a US-based nonprofit founded by former Wall Street banker Heather Ibrahim dedicated to empowering widows and female heads of households to overcome poverty through skills-based training, job creation, and micro-finance. The goal is to help widows achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency. GFW supports widows in Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, India, Cameroon, and Nigeria by forming strategic partnerships with local NGOs to develop unique solutions for empowering widows that are culturally and socially appropriate, and sustainable. In 2022 GFW successfully advocated for the passing of a United Nations General Assembly resolution regarding widowhood and human rights.
- Organisation type Nonprofit
- Year founded 2008
- Headquartered New York
- Registration United States
- Website https://www.globalfundforwidows.org
Related sustainable development goals
Impact
26,238 beneficiaries in nine countries.
In Kenya, WISALA members saw a 2027% increase in their monthly income.
On March 15, 2022, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the landmark resolution AR/76/252 “Addressing the Situation of Widows.” GFW was honoured for the role it played in this adoption.
Focus areas
Focus sectors
Development
- Economic development
- Financial services
- Development finance
- Sustainable finance
- Microfinance
- Credit unions
- Employment
- Job training
- Community improvement
Human rights
- Female empowerment
Public affairs
- Public policy
Focus populations
- Low-income people
- Widows
- Women and girls
- Working poor
Focus geographies
Africa
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Malawi
- Cameroon
- Tanzania
Americas
- Bolivia
- Dominican Republic
North Africa
- Egypt
South Asia
- India
Grantees
- International Collaborative
- Alfanar
- Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO)
- Future Eve Foundation
- Guild for Service
- Wido
Partners
- Alfanar
- Dreamstart Labs
- TrustLaw
- Whole Planet Foundation
Programmes
The Amal Project
This is an economic empowerment programme providing low-cost loans to vulnerable widows and female breadwinners across Egypt. Vocational and financial literacy training, affordable micro-loans and widows savings and loan associations help female breadwinners start businesses and support their families. They offer a pathway to financial independence for vulnerable widows, who are often held hostage to gender and culture norms, which can prevent them from accessing finance and trap them in poverty. It is a collaboration with venture philanthropy organisation Alfanar and the Global Fund for Widows.
WISALA: Widows’ Savings and Loan Association
This is an innovative micro-bank model created to serve widows, allowing previously unbanked women access to savings and loans to be able start and grow businesses.
Operations
Key staff
- Awny Mikhaeel, Egypt Country Director
- Elena Saenz Feehan, director of programmes and advocacy
- Mesha Singolyo, Tanzania country director
- Nagesh Borse, executive director
Board members
- Angela Stulley
- Elena Yoon
- Ferhang Mehregani
- Heather Ibrahim-Leathers
- Jennifer Wu
- Nancy Youssef
- Olena Malynska
- Pierre Debbas
- Sandy Debbas
Contact details
- https://www.globalfundforwidows.org
- 245 W 99th Street, Apt 17A New York, NY 10025 USA
More
Resources
Global Fund for Widows Annual Report 2022
Giving hope: how the Amal Project is changing the lives of widows in MENA. Read more