GFW runs a microfinance project with Alfanar and the Future Eve Foundation in Egypt focused on helping widows and other female heads of households become entrepreneurs through affordable loans, skills training, and ongoing advisory services.
The project was created with the understanding that widows in Egypt face significant barriers to economic sufficiency.
GFW runs a microfinance project in Egypt that supports widows and female heads of households to become entrepreneurs through affordable loans, skills training and ongoing advisory services. We work in partnership with Alfanar and the Future Eve Foundation in three governorates.
Widows in Egypt face serious barriers to sustainable livelihoods. Many come from marginalized backgrounds and have limited education. A 2023 baseline survey of widows interested in our programs in Minya and Beni Suef found that 86.5% had had their property and assets seized and 99% reported discrimination and negative changes in community behavior. Only 7.6% knew their legal inheritance rights. This poverty also affects their children - only 6% are full-time students and 15% have never attended school.
Our project tackles these challenges by combining microfinance with vocational and financial literacy training tailored to local market needs, including poultry farming, hairdressing and food production.
This builds widows’ skills and confidence to build sustainable businesses. Since its start, our microfinance service has expanded to 224 villages in three governorates in Egypt.
Leymah complimented the Global Fund for Widows at a UNWomen event.
Mrs. Obama encouraged and complimented the Global Fund for Widows in New York City.
She admitted to Heather Ibrahim-Leathers at the 1st International Widows’ Day Conference at the United Nations.
The Cheri Blair Foundation is the consummate activist for widows
Ms. Ajmera reflected at the Womensphere Global Summit in 2010.
