Year: 2018
#FacesofTransformation: The Bear Foundation tackles Gender Based Violence
#FacesofTransformation: The Bear Foundation tackles Gender Based Violence
The Bear Foundation (TBF) was formed in 2011 to help survivors of violence build their confidence and realise their self-worth. It is an organisation born out of the personal struggle of the Executive Director of the Bear Foundation, Nomzamo Gcwensa, (TBF) who survived an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. She felt the need to help other women who were struggling to get back on their feet and regain their sense of self after they left their abusers and formed the organisation to combat gender-based violence. The organisation works mainly with school girls and young women both in and out of school.
TBF also works on building leadership skills in young women and girls with programmes and activities in the Diepsloot township in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Bear Foundation was awarded a grant by AWDF in 2016 as part of its 16 days of activism, a grant process that supports various women’s organisations fighting against Gender based violence. During the period, they organized a walk to raise awareness on gender-based violence in Diepsloot; they were also on the Diepsloot community radio and participated in the community dialogues that spoke to the issue of Gender based violence. The project therefore helped reinvigorate the discussions around eliminating Violence Against Women.
Their grassroots focus and determination to make change in young women’s lives is what makes The Bear Foundation one of our #FacesofTransformation.
Theo Sowa named among 100 most influential in global gender policy
Theo Sowa named among 100 most influential in global gender policy
In recognition of her contribution to shaping gender policy around the world, AWDF CEO Theo Sowa has been listed among the top 100 influencers of global policy.
Apolitical, a global platform for public servants and policymakers to stay informed about policy and the public service, announced its compilation of the 100 most influential people in gender policy around the world, citing Theo for her work in Philanthropy! This accolade recognises her incredible efforts, both at AWDF and in her own personal capacity, to make the world a better, kinder, and freer place for women.
For the full list of actors please click HERE
Women’s rights movements get a boost from Canadian Government
Women’s rights movements get a boost from Canadian Government
A new $300 Million dollar Equality Funding initiative launched by Canada on 24 May 2018, aims to be a self generating fund for women’s movements. This new approach presents the possibility of continuous flexible funding for women’s movements and is the result of sustained advocacy by feminists who pushed for resources for women’s organisations because they recognised the true value of their work.
This next phase of funding for women’s movements will require innovation and new approaches to old questions and will leverage the financial clout of government, private, investment and philanthropic sectors to reach women driving social change and peace efforts globally. The Match International Women’s Fund will play a key role in actualising the initiative to ensure its sustainability.
These are exciting times and we are thrilled for the future of women’s movements across the world!