In communities the world over, widows are denied land, inheritance, and the right to make decisions about their own lives. Not because the law says so, but because so few know what the law actually says. As part of GFW, over 31,000 widows have completed legal literacy training leading to over 450 widows have challenging their in-laws and communities in courts of law and countless others through community mechanisms. Equipped with this knowledge, thousands of GWF widows protect their homes, their children, and support other women facing similar situations.
In Egypt, following the death of her husband, GWF beneficiary Martha wanted to re-open her husband’s falafel restaurant, but her in-laws refused to let her take over the business, believing it was inappropriate for women to work.
As her and her children’s situation continued to deteriorate, she was introduced to the WISALA program. With the support of group leaders and her husband’s brothers she was able to join the group and co-capitalized a WISALA.
“With the help of the WISALA group members and some diplomacy, I managed to convince my in-laws to let me reopen the falafel business. I took a loan and now the business is doing so well that I have hired the wives of my husband’s brothers to work with me! After repaying the first loan to the WISALA, I took a second loan to expand the restaurant. I thank God for the help that I got that enabled me to rebuild my house and create a better life for my family. Words are not enough to describe how highly I value the WISALA program.” Matha, GFW Beneficiary, Egypt
Because of GWF over 26,000 Widows across Egypt own their own business, have access to loans and sustainable incomes, supporting over 52,000 children.
