Global Fund for Widows (GFW) is the world’s largest international organization dedicated to economically empowering widows. Headquartered in New York, GFW has operations in 9 countries including Malawi, Kenya, India, Egypt, and others. Founded in 2008 by Heather Ibrahim-Leathers upon the passing of her grandmother, who was a young widow in rural Egypt, GFW is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Utilizing evidence-based programs, GFW pioneered the award-winning WISALA bank model. The WISALAs increase women’s income on average by 2000% a month and have driven substantial GDP growth in developing countries.

GFW has impacted nearly 100,000 widows and their children around the world through its financial inclusion programs. In 2022 GFW successfully advocated for the passing of a United Nations General Assembly resolution regarding widowhood and human rights. Global Fund for Widows and its founder Heather Ibrahim-Leathers have received numerous awards for their work including a 2021 nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.