Year: 2017
Building Organisational Resilience. Profile of Wangechi Wachira, Executive Director of Centre for Rights Education and Awareness
Building Organisational Resilience. Profile of Wangechi Wachira, Executive Director of Centre for Rights Education and Awareness
In 2013, the Centre for Rights, Education and Awareness (CREAW) in Kenya was facing closure. Nearly 5,000 cases affecting women that CREAW was overseeing were still within the legal system but the organisation — like many in the country — was in the midst of a funding crisis. CREAW is a national, women’s human rights nongovernmental organisation based in Nairobi, whose vision is “a transformed and just society”. Its mission is to champion, expand and make real women’s human rights with programmes grounded in core values of integrity, professionalism, passion, innovation, and synergy. It is headed by leading woman’s activist, Wangechi Wachira. CREAW’s relationship with the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) started in 2007 when another leading women’s organisation and grantee partner, FEMNET, suggested the organisation apply for funding for their women’s programmes.
“By the time we started the relationship around 2007, Kenya was going into a general election. AWDF funded a programme that worked to support women to be able to participate in decision-making processes,” recalled Wachira. “Before the election, things were fine but after the elections, things went south. We were able to play a role in peace building during that process. We went back to AWDF and said that women had come out in big numbers to vote but in the aftermath, women had been abused and violated. We wanted to go back to the communities and document the stories of the women we had worked with,” she explained.
“The country has made a lot of strides since 2007. In 2010, Kenya passed a Constitution and women were able to push for their issues at a constitutional level. Since then a lot of laws have been passed that deal with the issues of women. What remains, however, is to make sure that they are finalised, implemented and that the relevant government institutions take responsibility for them to be enacted,” said Wachira.
Sierra Leone Landslide: AWDF Condolences and Solidarity
Sierra Leone Landslide: AWDF Condolences and Solidarity
The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) extends condolences to the people of Sierra Leone for the devastating landslide in Freetown on 14 August 2017. This has affected thousands of people, including several grantee partners.
Experiences from across Africa and from different types of natural or human made disasters has shown us that women’s community responses and leadership are central to effective responses to disasters. The courageous actions of multiple Sierra Leonean women’s organisations during the recent Ebola crisis is just one example of this. The strength and resilience displayed by the people of Sierra Leone in the wake of disasters has been amazing and will be a key factor in the current recovery process.
As we hear the updates of this humanitarian crisis, we are concerned in particular about the condition of women and of girls who are now in precarious housing and economic situations. In that light, we affirm the need for a humanitarian response that takes into account the specific needs of women and of girls.
Our hearts and our thoughts are with the people of Sierra Leone and with women’s groups responding in this period of recovery and rebuilding.
CALL TO ACTION: Mobilising Resources for Sierra Leone
CALL TO ACTION: Mobilising Resources for Sierra Leone
22nd August 2017
Following the recent disaster that struck Sierra Leone, the African Philanthropic Network is working with the African Women’s Development Fund to mobilise resources in support of initiatives to mitigate the devastating effects of this disaster.
You can be part of this initiative by donating in one of the following ways.
To donate by expresspay, go to
https://expresspaygh.com/services.php
Select AWDF and follow the online instructions
To make a donation via wire transfer from anywhere in Africa, please use the following information:
Account Name: AWDF/Fundraising
Account Number: 064/1008737
Bank Name: Barclays Bank Ghana Limited
Bank Address: P O Box 2949
High Street Branch: Accra
Swift Code: BARCGHAC
Individuals located in Ghana can make a deposit into our cedi account:
Account Name: AWDF/Fundraising
Account Number: 048/1014077
Bank Name: Barclays Bank Ghana Limited
Bank Address: P O Box 2949
High Street Branch: Accra
Please refer all enquiries to Abigail Burgesson, Special Programmes Manager
Email: abigail@africlub.net/awdf
Exercising Women’s Leadership That Transforms Communities: Young Women’s Leadership & Akili Dada
Exercising Women’s Leadership That Transforms Communities: Young Women’s Leadership & Akili Dada
To view the rest of the photo story click HERE: Akili Dada Photostory
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 16 DAYS AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE 2017
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 16 DAYS AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE 2017
[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”] The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is putting out a call for proposals for activities to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in 2017. To support the 2017 global campaign to end violence against women, AWDF will fund small sized women’s rights organisations on the African continent to lend their voice to the campaign as well as participate in activities that will end all forms of violence against women and girls in their communities. The focus for this year’s call will be on eliminating violence against women and girls living with disabilities.
AWDF would therefore give priority to projects that:
- Raise awareness, using innovative and community driven activities, about violence against women and girls living with disabilities
- Provide a platform for women and girls with disabilities to amplify their voices and speak against gender based violence issues
- Combat violence against women and girls living with disabilities
The current call is opened from 16th August to 12th September 2017. Applicants are to send in proposals with innovative and effective advocacy strategies to address issues around eliminating violence against women and girls living with disabilities.
Find the full application guidelines and required forms below.
16 Days of Activism Full Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines
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L’AWDF lance donc un appel à projets pour la mise en œuvre des activités visant à commémorer la campagne mondiale des “16 jours d’activisme contre les violences basées sur le genre” de cette année. Dans cette optique d’appuyer la campagne mondiale de 2017, l’AWDF va financer les petites organisations de défense des droits des femmes en Afrique pour se rallier à cette campagne et prendre part aux activités qui viseront à mettre fin à toute formes de violence faites aux femmes et aux filles dans leurs communautés. Cette année nous ciblons les projets destinés à éliminer les violences faites aux femmes et filles handicapées.
Seront prioritaires
- Les projets de sensibilisation sur les violences faites aux femmes dont les activités seront innovatrices et communautaires ;
- Les projets qui vont créer une plateforme aux femmes et filles handicapées pour rehausser leur voix et s’opposer à cette pratique ;
- Les projets de lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes et filles handicapées.
Cet appel est valide jusqu’au 12 septembre 2017. Les organisations postulantes doivent envoyer des projets innovateurs avec des stratégies efficaces en vue d’aborder la question des violences faites aux femmes et filles handicapées.
APPEL A PROJETS – CAMPAGNE DES 16 JOURS D’ACTIVISME
Questionnaire sur la capacité de gestion financière de l’organisation postulante
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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: WORLD AIDS DAY 2017
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: WORLD AIDS DAY 2017
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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: WORLD AIDS DAY 2017
Young women’s bodily rights, HIV prevention, and intersections with violence against women.
For World AIDS Day 2017, AWDF is offering grants to support activities by African women’s organisations focused on young women’s bodily rights, HIV prevention, and intersections with violence against women. We encourage approaches that address the underlying needs to support young women to make positive choices around their bodies and health, and build societies that support their right to live free from violence in the context of HIV and AIDS.
We particularly welcome applications from organisations of women living with HIV, groups of women living with disabilities, and from young women’s groups. AWDF encourages innovation- so do send in your creative ideas.
How to apply
Please follow the application guidelines below. Note that the maximum amount of grant allowed is $2,000. Applicants must fit AWDF’s general grantee guidelines (women-led, African women’s rights organisations).
2017 WORLD AIDS DAY Full Application Guidelines and Eligibility Requirements
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Dans le cadre de la Journée Mondiale de lutte contre le SIDA, l’AWDF octroie des subventions pour appuyer les activités des structures de femmes qui défendent les droits relatifs au corps des jeunes femmes, la prévention du VIH, et les intersections avec les violences faites aux femmes. Seront prioritaires les approches qui répondent non seulement aux besoins actuels destinés à aider les jeunes femmes à faire des choix positifs relatifs à leur corps et leur santé mais aussi à construire des communautés qui soutiennent leur droit de vivre sans aucune forme de violence dans le contexte du VIH/SIDA.
Nous encourageons particulièrement les organisations de femmes vivant avec le VIH, les groupes de femmes handicapées, et les groupes de jeunes femmes, à nous envoyer leurs demandes. L’AWDF est passionnée par l’innovation et vous encourage donc à envoyer vos idées innovantes.
Comment postuler ?
Le montant de la subvention s’élève à 2000$. Cliquez le lien ci-dessous et suivez le canevas de demande.
JOURNEE MONDIALE DE LUTTE CONTRE LE SIDA 2017
Questionnaire sur la capacité de gestion financière de l’organisation postulante
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JOB VACANCY: PROSPERA – THE INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF WOMEN´S FUNDS, CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM OFFICER POSITION
JOB VACANCY: PROSPERA – THE INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF WOMEN´S FUNDS, CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM OFFICER POSITION
Immediate supervisor: Deputy Director
Position summary: To develop and manage Prospera’s capacity building program (on learning, monitoring and evaluation; finance and administration; local
fundraising; advocacy, among others) as well as to be the liaison between member funds from Africa and the network.
Principal tasks and responsibilities:
• Work collaboratively with other team members to develop and define Prospera’s program strategies.
• Lead the development of grant proposals for funding related to the capacity building program or of work with funds in the African region.
• Manage and supervise capacity building program activities, designing work plans and following up on the implementation of the program´s strategy and budget, on a global level.
• Identify, build and manage relationships and networks with member funds, stakeholders and civil society actors and government bodies in Africa, in
coordination with the Director of Programs.
• Facilitate information sharing and coordination among all member funds, including those related to grant making and any other program processes
and activities.
• Provide technical assistance and coaching to member funds, on an ad hoc basis.
• Develop criteria, indicators and benchmarks to monitor and evaluate progress in meeting the capacity building program´s goals and advancing Prospera´s strategy.
• Contribute to producing a range of documents related to the program as well as in the region.
• Continually scan the fields related to women´s human rights, philanthropy,organizational development and capacity building, follow key developments and debates, keep abreast of the academic and popular literature, share key findings and lessons among colleagues in the field.
• Represent Prospera in public meetings and conferences.
• Represent Prospera in Africa and develop a relationship to support the Women’s Funds based in the African region.
• Other related tasks as assigned.
Internal relationships: The Program Officer will be the point person for all work on the capacity building program, as well as the liaison between the network and the funds from Africa, and will therefore interact with all members of the team on issues relating to the program and the region.
External relationships: The Program Officer will have ongoing direct interactions with staff and women´s funds from Africa. The Program Officer will also interact with all consultants and external partners contributing to the capacity building program.
QUALIFICATIONS
Educational level: Masters degree in the social sciences or humanities is preferred.
Languages: English required, French and/or Portuguese strongly preferred
Previous experience: 5-7 Years program management experience; management of learning, Monitoring and Evaluation methodologies; grant writing experience; developing programs for capacity building of women’s or civil society organizations; management of relations with donors; writing narrative reports.
At least seven years of professional experience leading or collaborating on civil society strategies related to women´s human rights and/or philanthropy for women´s rightsin Africa.
Specific knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Previous knowledge regarding gender issues and/or global philanthropy preferred.
• Understanding of the needs of women´s rights organizations and funds, particularly in the key areas related to organizational strengthening and capacity building.
• Demonstrable success in planning and implementing programs related to organizational development or capacity building or in designing grantmaking programs.
• Very good verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal, communication and team-working skills.
• Conscientious and detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently, while still part of a team, and adapt to quick changing circumstances.
• Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection and a sense of humor.
Travel:
40% travel within Africa and to other international destinations required
To Apply, please send a Cover Letter and updated Resume to Alexandra Garita at
agarita@prospera-inwf.org
To download Application in it’s entirety please click HERE
Transcending Sexual Violence: Providing Support for Survivors through the Nairobi Women’s Hospital Gender Violence Recovery Centre
Transcending Sexual Violence: Providing Support for Survivors through the Nairobi Women’s Hospital Gender Violence Recovery Centre
To read the full story: Click Here
Exercising Women’s Leadership that Transforms Communities: Claris
Exercising Women’s Leadership that Transforms Communities: Claris
Go-getter. These are some of the words that can be usedto describe Claris. She is 19 years old and part of Paza, Akili Dada’s gap year programme in Kenya. Claris joined Akili Dada in her first year of high school, at Precious Blood-Riruta. Coming from MukuruKwa Reuben, a resource-strapped community
in Nairobi, she knew her chances of making it through high school were slim. She, therefore, sought
scholarships for higher learning from multiple organisations through the principal’s office. In addition to receiving a scholarship, she has been a project participant of the leadership academies supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). The academies are spaces for reflection where Akili Dada scholars are equipped with life skills. This includes helping the girls understand themselves and their capacities comprehensively so that they identify how to best negotiate life in society. This in turn enables the project participants to excel in whatever they aspire to be and do, and to be the change leaders our world needs. At the leadership academies, young women also brainstorm new ways to
exercise leadership to transform their communities. In that regard, Akili Dada introduced Claris to the service learning concept. In turn, she decided to start a library in her community.
To read the rest of her story click below:
Transcending Sexual Violence: Providing Support for Survivors through the Nairobi Women’s Hospital Gender Violence Recovery Centre
Transcending Sexual Violence: Providing Support for Survivors through the Nairobi Women’s Hospital Gender Violence Recovery Centre
Nelly*is a survivor of sexual violence who has persistently resolved to overcome stigma, rejection, fear and suicidal thoughts that threatened to immobilise her after she was raped in 2014. GVRC Project Participant Transcending Sexual Violence: Providing Support for Survivors through the Nairobi Women’s Hospital Gender Violence Recovery Centre .It has not been an easy journey. With the assistance of counselling staff and members of a sexual violence support group at the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) in Nairobi, she has made tremendous strides in her recovery. Currently, Nelly is positively channeling her energy to transform the lives of survivors of sexual violence by supporting children who have undergone abuse in the school where she works.
To read the entirety of Nelly’s Story click HERE : GVRC: Nelly’s Story