The idea for SEWW was inspired by a dream to bring the tremendous and varied resources of the global community together for the promotion of mental health.  Early activities centered around addressing the social needs of women with mental illness in New York, training mental health care providers in South Africa on mental health and HIV, and training primary care doctors in Patagonia in mental health.  SEWW was incorporated in New York State in December, 2006. The organization has tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.