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What we do

Policy and advocacy

Working with governments and multi-lateral institutions to enhance the rights of widows.

STEERING GLOBAL POLICY

At GFW, advocacy means driving change in laws, policies and societal attitudes - at local, national and international levels - to secure legal protection, social inclusion and economic opportunities for widows.

Our advocacy at the United Nations resulted in the unanimous adoption of the world’s first UN General Assembly Resolution on Widowhood in 2022.   

GLOBAL IMPACT

We advocate for:
‍

  1. Legal and policy reform to secure widows’ access to inheritance, property and services.
  2. Social protection and economic opportunity: demanding actions that deliver economic growth and that promote inclusion in social safety nets and livelihood programs.
  3. Global awareness and inclusion: Supporting widows’ inclusion in decision-making forums at local, regional and global levels.
  4. Prioritizing support for the most vulnerable widows including those in remote, low-income, and conflict-affected communities


ADVOCACY OUTCOMES

    • 2,000
    • Widows training in legal rights and advocacy
    • 500
    • Widows in Kenya have taken legal action against abusers
    • 5
    • Countries have enacted legal changes

UN Engagements and Global Advocacy

UNGA

Global resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In 2022, GFW achieved a milestone by drafting the first-ever UNGA resolution solely addressing the rights of widows. The resolution, titled A/RES/76/252, was adopted in March 2022 and is dedicated to protecting widows.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Official Commendations

from the US President Joe Biden, the African Union, and the Mayors of New York and Washington, DC.Z

DOWNLOAD PDF

ADVOCACY ACHIEVEMENTS

UN Engagements and Global Advocacy

  • FFD4 – Hosting a Financing for Development Side Event

    At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development(FFD4) in Seville, GFW co-hosted a side event titled “UnlockingGender-Inclusive Financing for Women-Led Initiatives in Africa” withUN Women and AUDA-NEPAD. The event focused on innovative, locally-drivenfinancing mechanisms and included speakers such as Elena Sáenz Feehan, BinetaDiop, Wendy Teleki and Stefano Manservisi.

  • GFW Speaks at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

    Heather Ibrahim Leathers, President and Founder of the Global Fund for Widows, attended the University of Chicago Booth School of Business´ Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation, where she spoke about the challenges widows face globally. She shared insights on different ways to address these challenges, including actionable strategies, contributory plans, and sustainable approaches. Her session resembled a master class, offering practical guidance for creating meaningful social impact.

  • International Widows Day, Kenya

    On June 23rd, 2025, during our celebration on International Widows Day, more than 1,000 widows came together, filling the space with resilience, courage, and hope. Their presence was a powerful reminder of both the struggles they face and the strength they embody. The gathering was not only a celebration but also a call to action, highlighting the pressing need of providing support, recognition, and opportunities for widows. It also showcased the tangible impact of our work, providing support, advocacy, and resources that are making a real difference in their daily lives.

  • United Nations General Assembly

    Global Resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In 2022, GFW achieved a milestone by drafting the first-ever UNGA Resolution solely addressing the rights of widows. The Resolution titled A/RES/76/252, was adopted in March 2022 and is a significant step in recognizing and protecting the rights of widows. While UNGA resolutions are not legally binding and therefore not direct sources of international law, they are highly influential in shaping international norms, guiding national policies, and laying the groundwork for future legal frameworks - making them instrumental in the development of international law.
    Download PDF
UNGA

Global resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In 2022, GFW achieved a milestone by drafting the first-ever UNGA resolution solely addressing the rights of widows. The resolution, titled A/RES/76/252, was adopted in March 2022 and is dedicated to protecting widows.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Official Commendations

from the US President Joe Biden, the African Union, and the Mayors of New York and Washington, DC.Z

DOWNLOAD PDF
UNGA

Global resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In 2022, GFW achieved a milestone by drafting the first-ever UNGA resolution solely addressing the rights of widows. The resolution, titled A/RES/76/252, was adopted in March 2022 and is dedicated to protecting widows.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Official Commendations

from the US President Joe Biden, the African Union, and the Mayors of New York and Washington, DC.Z

DOWNLOAD PDF

UN Engagements and Global Advocacy

  • UN Security Council advocacy

    November 15, 2021

    GFW participated in a UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting, hosted byNiger, titled“Closing the Protection Gap for Widows in Conflict andPost-Conflict Settings.”

  • UN General Assembly side event

    2021

    In partnershipwith the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the UN, GFW hosted a side eventduring the opening week of the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2024. Theevent, “Operationalizing Widowhood: Addressing its Intersectionalities Across Existing UN Frameworks,” focused on integrating widowhoodissues into broader UN agendas, emphasizing links to SDGs, gender equality, andhuman rights.
    Watch Side Event

  • UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Widows

    2024-2025

    GFW has drafted and initiated the first resolution at the UN HumanRights Council specifically addressing widows. The organization has beenleading efforts in Geneva to build support for the measure, which seeks globalrecognition of the unique vulnerabilities widows face and the need for applicableinternational human rights law.

  • Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

    Annually

    Each year, GFW hosts and participates in side orparallel events during the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.These forums serve as platforms to bring widows' experiences to light and callfor legal and policy changes
    Watch Side Event

  • Civil Society Organization Dialogues with the President of the UN Security Council:

    Monthly

    GFW participates in monthy CSO dialogues with the President of the UNSecurity Council at UN Headquarters. These forums allow GFW to continuouslypress for the inclusion of widows in the women, peace and security agenda.
    Watch Intervention

African Union and Regional Advocacy

  • The African Union’s Recognition of International Widows’ Day

    June 23, 2024

    The AU officially recognized International Widows’Day and named GFW as a strategic advocacy partner and resultantly has includedwidows on their equality agenda.

  • FFD4 – Hosting a Financing for Development Side Event

    July 1, 2025

    At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development(FFD4) in Seville, GFW co-hosted a side event titled “UnlockingGender-Inclusive Financing for Women-Led Initiatives in Africa” withUN Women and AUDA-NEPAD. The event focused on innovative, locally-drivenfinancing mechanisms and included speakers such as Elena Sáenz Feehan, BinetaDiop, Wendy Teleki and Stefano Manservisi.

Advocacy Achievements

Our partners in advocacy

DOWNLOAD PDF
Idea!
perhaps the map could include both WISALAs and partner countries?

African Union    
Egypt
Kenya
Tanzania
Cameroun
Sierra Leone
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