About
Women for Women International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, headquartered in Washington, DC, that supports women survivors of war and conflict. Founded in 1993, the organization has served and reached 675,544 women and girls cumulatively across 17 conflict-affected countries, guided by its vision to create a world in which all women determine the course of their lives and reach their full potential.
Mission
The organization's core belief is that every woman has the power to transform her world, and that when women work together they have the power to create a better world. It works toward a world in which all women determine the course of their lives and reach their full potential.
What they do
Its flagship initiative is the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations Program, a training program for women survivors of conflict that combines:
- Practical vocational training, such as tailoring and poultry-keeping
- Business and money management skills
- Health and reproductive health education
- Civic engagement training on rights such as voting and property inheritance
Participants can be supported through the Stand With Her sponsorship program starting at 35 dollars per month, which funds training and a stipend for food, clothes, water, and shelter.
Where they work
Women for Women International currently operates in nine countries: Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Scale and impact
Figures published by the organization include:
- 675,544 women and girls served and reached cumulatively since 1993, across 17 conflict-affected countries
- 67,841 new women and girls served and reached in 2025
- Program outcomes tracked through surveys and randomized control trials: participants' average reported daily earnings rose from 0.49 dollars at enrollment to 1.36 dollars at graduation, average savings grew from 9.84 dollars to 42.14 dollars, and the share practicing family planning rose from 44 percent to 69 percent
Financials
Per its Form 990 on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer for the fiscal year ending December 2025, the organization reported revenue of 26,981,594 dollars (97 percent from contributions), expenses of 28,889,590 dollars, and net assets of 15,671,103 dollars. The IRS issued its tax exemption in October 1994 (EIN 52-1838756).
Governance
Women for Women International was founded by Zainab Salbi and is governed by a global board of directors. Per its most recent Form 990, Thelma Ekiyor became Chief Executive Officer in October 2025, succeeding Laurie Adams, and Nunu Ntshingila-Njeke serves as international board chair.
