Year: 2023

Khadijah shares inspiring stories from SWIDA and their work with the KASA initiative to end sexual violence. Together, we can break the silence and build a safer, more inclusive future for all. Watch and be inspired to take action today.

In 2021, the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) joined forces to address and reduce sexual violence, and its deep-rooted drivers, across West Africa. The initiative, KASA! Ending Sexual Violence in West Africa, leverages the growing focus on sexual violence in the region and boost feminist action and advocacy to reduce it. Focusing primarily on Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, KASA! (meaning ‘speak’ in the Twi language) is hosted by (AWDF) to strengthen and support women’s rights organisations to raise awareness of sexual violence as a violation of human rights and rally support to combat it.

Through the KASA! Initiative, we define sexual violence as any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act, or unwanted sexual comments or acts to traffic, that are directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion by anyone, regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including at home and at work. Sexual violence includes rape, marital rape, defilement, sexual harassment, sexual trafficking, sexual slavery and online sexual violence. Sexual Violence, particularly rape, is committed by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment, or committed against a person incapable of giving genuine consent.

We believe that sexual violence is a culture and not an event. It therefore requires a long-term strategic approach that addresses the culture of impunity over the bodies of women and girls which emanates from and is perpetuated by patriarchy. We believe sexual violence is a violation of women’s rights including the rights to health, sexual and reproductive health, non-discrimination, life, dignity, privacy, peace freedom from torture, inhuman and degrading treatment and freedom of movement. We believe ‘the personal is political’. Sexual violence is often perpetrated in domestic spheres and shroud in secrecy. We know that most cases of sexual violence are not reported and for most cases reported, justice is not served.

We are concerned that in Nigeria, 33% of women and girls aged 15-49 have experienced violence in their lifetime and in Senegal 21.5% have experienced violence [i].  In Ghana 24% of women and girls have experience sexual violence [ii].  We lament the persistence of rape culture and high tolerance for sexual violence in Africa; the lack of access to quality survivor centred response and accountability systems. We have noted the shrinking civic spaces and upsurge of conflict and political instability across the Africa continent which do not only threaten to erode the gains we are making in the eradication of sexual violence, but exacerbate the vulnerability of women and girls to sexual violence and shift of funding priorities to restoring peace and security within the continent.

AWDF provides long-term multi-year resourcing and other forms of support to frontline feminist and women’s rights organisations and activists working mainly at the grassroots and national level to foster positive narratives and attitudes toward  sexual violence; supporting women, girls and families affected by sexual violence; advocating for legal reforms and the transformation of cultural and social norms and practices that underpin sexual violence; and working to eliminate institution and social barrier that impede access to comprehensive sexual violence response.

As we commence the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, we commend our grantees partners who continue to dream and take action towards eliminating sexual violence. We acknowledge the dreams and action of feminist and women’s rights organisations and activists in Africa whose work, especially during the emergence of the COVID 19 pandemic, inspired the KASA! Initiative and other initiatives to eliminate sexual violence on the continent.

We are connecting dreams and actions! In two years, we have resourced 29 women’s rights and feminist organisations and activists in Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana that share in our dream of a world free of sexual violence. Through these partnerships, we are working to prevent sexual violence through listening and learning about risk factors that perpetuate sexual violence on one hand and the protective factors on the other hand; and working together to remove the risk factors and enhance the protective factors. We are supporting accountability through survivor-centered approaches which includes legal and other forms of support to survivors and their families to obtain justice and reparation and ensure the administration of punishment to perpetrators.  We are supporting survivor-centered response and care including treatment of injuries, prevention of infection and unintended pregnancies arising from sexual violence, and the provision of psychosocial support and temporary shelter for survivors.

We are making headway! In Senegal Sourire de Femmes and L’Association des Juristes Sénégalaises (l’AJS) have mobilised women and girls to organise despite the closure of civic spaces, an ongoing concern in Senegal. The organisations have adopted a multi-stakeholder advocacy approach encompassing religious organisations, the police, women and girls, and other partners in dealing with and responding to issues of sexual and gender-based violence. Plateforme de Femme Pour la Paix en Casamance is working to strengthen the prevention and response to sexual violence among minors in Casamance.  The organisation has provided comprehensive sexual violence response for minors.  Perpetrators have been sentenced to 10 years in prison. The organisation has provided shelters and Psychosocial support for the survivors and facilitated their reintegration in school.

We are resilient! In Nigeria, Education as a Vaccine is working with Benue State University to review and implement policies to reduce sexual harassment on campus. Benue State University has reviewed their sexual harassment policy; and developed an implementation plan. About 90% of students and staff engaged learned for the first time that the University had a sexual harassment policy. Female students have been empowered through the project and they are shared their personal stories on sexual harassment. In Nigeria, the Sexual Offences Awareness & Response Initiative (SOARI) is working to reduce sexual violence in host communities in Benue State. The camp/community leaders have set up a Camp/Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC). CCPC is leading advocacy for the prevention and respond to sexual violence and Child marriage in the camps. Cases of sexual violence has been reported for the first time in the camp and survivors are being supported to seek justice.

We are speaking out! Through our partner Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF) Ghana, we’ve invested in supporting girls to become assertive, gaining voice and agency on issues around sexual violence and other forms of violence. We’ve also supported investigations, protection, and judicial action in support of survivors of sexual violence. Through our partner Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA), we’ve resourced training of female advocates from educational institutions to advocate for sexual harassment policies and amplify messages against sexual violence. In Ghana, women and girls accessed free post-incident care and support through our partner, the Women’s Initiative for Self-Empowerment  (WISE).

We are inspired by the stories of resilience from survivors of sexual violence; and feminist and women’s rights organisations who continues to dream and take action to eliminate sexual violence in challenging contexts. We are also encouraged by our growing community of allies including government officials, the media, religious and traditional leaders, communities, the police, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, academics, health service providers and others who are dreaming and taking action with us toward ending sexual violence in Africa.

Today, as we join the global movement to reflect on the theme ‘Investing to prevent violence against women and girls:

• We affirm our commitment to upholding our dream of a continent where women and girls live and thrive in societies that are free from sexual violence.
• We commit to sustaining and scaling up our KASA! Initiative to ensure long-term, multiple year and responsive resourcing.
• We commit to increased advocacy within the donor community for the prioritisation of sexual violence prevention and response; and the mobilisation of additional funding for the KASA! Initiative. We have seeded an initial USD 3.75 million for the implementation of the KASA initiative for the initial five years; with the Ford Foundation having contributed USD 3.5 million and OSIWA having contributed USD 250,000. Together, we continue to dream of a USD 10 million fund for the five-year implementation of the KASA! Initiative throughout Africa.

We also invite you to Speak Out! Dream with us and Take Action to ending sexual violence and other forms of violence against women and girls in Africa.

Written by Joyce Renee Ago Djanie (AWDF), Funded Initiative Coordinator – KASA! 

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i. Spotlight Initiative to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls: Country Programme Document Nigeria
World Health Organization 2012, Nigeria Health and Demographic Survey (NDHS) 2018
ii. UN Women. Global Database on Violence against Women.
Ghana. https://evaw-global-database.unwomen.org/en/countries/africa/ghana
https://evaw-global-database.unwomen.org/en/countries/africa/ghana

Reimagining Feminist Governance

The African Women’s Development Fund is thrilled to announce the addition of four formidable African feminists to its Board of Directors. Joining Board members Taaka Awori, Dr Hilda Tadria, Bisi Ayedele-Fayemi and Arielle Enninful, these new members bring a wealth of diverse experiences, expertise, and perspectives that will further strengthen AWDF’s mission and commitment to empowering women and girls across the continent.

In 2022, the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) embarked on a “Reimagining the Board” initiative to strengthen AWDF’s Board so that it is both responsive to AWDF’s new strategic framework, Lemlem, and trailblazing in its approach to feminist governance. AWDF is committed to ensuring that we embody the spirit of Lemlem and infuse it throughout our processes and governance.

Meet the new Board members:
1. Dr. Lamyaâ Achary (they/them), a dedicated sociologist and Human Rights researcher, possesses over a decade of expertise spanning analytical proficiency, research, policy analysis, and non-profit advocacy. Their career has been marked by a passionate commitment to advancing women’s and SOGIE rights, particularly in Morocco and North Africa.

2. Nicolette Naylor: With over two decades of experience leading strategies at the intersection of justice and philanthropy, Nicolette has spent over fifteen years working within one of the largest global philanthropies, the Ford Foundation. Nicolette led the Ford Foundation’s Southern Africa office and International Program on Gender, Racial & Ethnic Justice and has managed diverse teams across New York, India, West Africa, Southern Africa and Latin America.

3. Mariama Abdou Gado: Medical doctor, independent consultant; activist for the rights of girls, women and the inclusion of young people in decision-making bodies, Mariama is a young “nigérienne” specialist in public health policies and community development. She has more than six years of experience in reproductive health rights and family planning, working to ensure better health for women.

4. Jean-Ann Ndow (she/her) has over 15 years professional experience working in the legal field and in international development. Focusing on girls and women’s rights, youth mobilisation and education, she has worked with youth movements, global organisations and collaborated with UN agencies to lead advocacy and campaigns on ending violence girls and women, girls’ education and youth engagement.

Looking into the future:
As we move forward with these inspiring additions to our Board of Directors, we remain more committed than ever to our mission to fund, strengthen and uphold the organisations and movements led by African feminists, women, girls and gender-diverse people, in pursuit of gender justice and social transformation.

Lamyaâ, Jeann-Ann, Mariama and Nicolette  join AWDF at a pivotal time in our organisational journey. Having just launched our new strategic framework, Lemlem, which will guide our work into the next ten years, AWDF will greatly benefit from these four activists’ perspectives and leadership. We look forward to walking that journey together with them and with you all!

Are you passionate about contributing to changing the narrative about African women’s rights and feminist activism? Are you highly motivated, innovative, passionate about women’s rights in Africa, excited about African feminisms, and embrace African women’s diversity? We have three exciting openings that may just be what you need for your next career move.

1. Knowledge and Voice Specialist:
Are you an experienced and creative strategist in co-creating and utilising African feminist knowledge and voice in many colourful ways using an approach that grounds, transforms, inspires and influences to unlock the narrative agency of African women’s rights and feminist activists, leaders, organisations, collectives and movements so they flourish and are impactful?

Do you have experience in decolonising research, preserving and sharing identities, politics, stories and voices of African women and gender diverse people inside and beyond feminist spaces?

To apply for the position of Knowledge and Voice Specialist, please click on this link for more details and application portal

2. Programme Officer – Knowledge and Voice:
Do you have experience coordinating initiatives, working groups and collaborations to exchange knowledge and advance shared goals to influence the donor community, and have you got experience piloting innovative and creative approaches documenting and sharing good practice?

To apply for the position of Programme Officer – Knowledge and Voice, please click on this link for more details and application portal.

3. Programme Officer – Agency and Resilience
Do you have experience contributing to the re-imagining and implementation of the ambition of AWDF’s Agency and Resilience work and experience with African women’s rights and feminist organisations, collectives and movements working for gender justice in Africa?

Are you excited about the opportunity to support the implementation of AWDF’s Agency and Resilience (A&R) strategy so that African women’s and feminist organisations and movements flourish and thrive?

To apply for the position of Programme Officer – Agency and Resilience, please click on this link for more details and application portal.

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All applications should reach AWDF no later than Thursday 9th November 2023.

Due to our limited capacity, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for additional information and interviews.

In line with AWDF’s Mission, qualified African women are encouraged to apply.

1. Documenting the Story of African Feminist Philanthropy
We are seeking to highlight the transformative power of African feminist and women’s funds in promoting the strength, power and transformative social justice agendas of the feminist movement. Through the exploration of lessons and insights from African feminist philanthropy, our aim is to showcase and amplify the impact and effectiveness it has on the feminist and women’s rights movements it serves. The process will also contribute to the narrative and evidence-building efforts in re-imagining Pan-African and Feminist Philanthropies. By doing so, we seek to uplift African feminist narratives and increase resourcing for gender justice through the African Feminist Philanthropic Ecosystem.

This assignment will involve the mapping and assessment of the context of African Feminist Philanthropy, feminist and women’s funds, networks, and platforms, and their role in shaping and spearheading philanthropic responses to gender inequities on the continent.

For more details on this consultancy, please download the Terms of Reference here

2. Monitoring Site Visits
Monitoring visits is one of the key aspects of AWDF’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning mandate, undertaken annually. It is one of the various external processes that AWDF uses to assess funded projects’ performance, measure project outcomes, validate information, interact with stakeholders, including selected feminists, and familiarise with grantee partners and their beneficiaries. The visit also serves as a learning opportunity for AWDF to gain insight and in-depth understanding of organisations current systems and structures and identify gaps and challenges that might require capacity-building support. In addition, the monitoring visit helps AWDF to learn about the pertinent women’s rights issues affecting women and girls in the countries visited, and this information is used in strengthening our programming and philanthropy work.

AWDF is looking for individual consultants based in selected African countries to undertake the visits. The procedure and approach to be used for the monitoring visits will be communicated and agreed with selected consultants at the inception stage. Consultants might also be required to carry out a physical visit if the need arises.

For more details on this consultancy, please download the Terms of Reference here

Closing date for submission of proposals is: Wednesday 8th November 2023

Are you ready to be part of a passionate, diverse, and dedicated team working to support and strengthen feminist organisations and movements in pursuit of gender justice and social transformation in Africa?

AWDF is thrilled to announce two exciting vacancies that could be the career opportunity you’re looking for.

1. Communications Specialist
The Communications Specialist is responsible for leading, developing and responding to the diverse communications needs of the organisation. They are responsible for conceptualising creative approaches to turn complex information to compelling narratives and for amplifying the challenges and achievements of African women and their organisations and AWDF’s work in feminist philanthropy.

If you have a flair for storytelling, good knowledge of website management, social media tools, and experience in communication for social change, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information and mode of application for the Communications Specialist position, please visit the Application Portal here.

2. Due Diligence Finance Officer:
The Due Diligence Officer (DDO) will be part of the Finance Team and will work across the organisation. This role will collaborate with the Finance Officer to add value and optimise our operations through systematic disciplined as well as flexible approach to fiduciary risk management. The DDO will work closely with the grant management team, providing support to manage individual grants as well as across the entire grant portfolio. They will ensure that fiduciary risk and due diligence are proactively delivered, and that grantees are supported to strengthen their financial management to acceptable international standards taking into consideration their unique context.

Do you have a keen eye for fiduciary risk assessment, and experience in carrying out regular financial management checks? Then this might be for you.

For more information and mode of application for the Due Diligence Officer position, please visit the Application Portal here.

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For both positions, please include the following:

• A cover letter of not more than 2 pages, to the Human Resources Manager, explaining your interest and excitement in applying for the position, and highlighting your experience and competencies as they relate to the specific areas of duties indicated in the vacancy to demonstrate a good fit for the role.
• A CV of not more than 3 pages outlining your educational qualifications and employment records with key achievements on relevant positions held.

Applications should reach AWDF no later than Tuesday 24th October 2023.

Due to our limited capacity, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for additional information and interviews.

In line with AWDF’s Mission, qualified African women are encouraged to apply.

Are you a creative soul with a passion for visual storytelling? Or perhaps you’re a dedicated advocate for collective care and institutional transformation? If you’re an African feminist looking to make a meaningful impact, the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) has two exciting consultancy opportunities for you!

1. Graphic Designer – Annual Report:  AWDF is on the lookout for a talented Graphic Designer to help bring our annual report to life! If you have an eye for detail, a flair for creativity, and a commitment to advancing the cause of African feminists, we want to hear from you.

Closing date for application for this consultancy is Friday 20th October 2023

For more details and mode of application for the Graphic Designer, please download the Terms of Reference here

2. Collective Care and Institutional Assessment: We are seeking a dedicated Consultant to lead the charge in conducting a thorough assessment of our collective care and institutional framework. If you have a wealth of experience in assessing and improving organisational structures and a deep understanding of the importance of collective care within feminist movements, we invite you to be a part of this transformative journey.

Closing date for application for this consultancy is Monday 23rd October 2023

For more details and mode of application for Collective Care and Institutional Assessment, please download the Terms of Reference here

AWDF has a vacancy for a French-speaking Intern who will be responsible for providing administrative,  communications, and translation support in French to the AWDF Partnerships and Philanthropy (P&P) Department. The main objective of this department is to establish and nurture partnerships, as well as to engage in, and with the philanthropic ecosystem.

The P&P Intern role is an exciting opportunity for an African feminist who is passionate about gender justice and provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in partnerships and philanthropy within a feminist fund, while also developing administrative, communications, and translation skills and promoting language inclusion within the team.

Duration: 6 months

Location: Virtual/Remote, preferably based in a French-speaking African country

Please send your application to the Human Resources Manager via this link: Simplicant Jobs

Applications should include:

1. A cover letter of not more than a page explaining your interest and excitement in applying for the position to work for AWDF; and highlighting your experience and competencies as they relate to the specific areas of duties indicated in the vacancy to demonstrate a good fit for the role.
2. A recent CV with references outlining your educational qualifications and internship records.

Closing date for applications: Monday 25th September, 2023.

At the recent Women Deliver 2023 conference in Kigali, the African Women’s Development Fund resourced the participation of 32 representatives of African feminist and women’s organisations, feminist collectives and individual activists. We are excited to share insights from a selected number of these AWDF-resourced partners as they reflect on the moments that inspired and challenged them at the conference.

Read their reflections: Access, Courage, Solidarity, for a glimpse into the powerful narratives that emerged at Women Deliver 2023.

The African Women’s Development Fund has started implementing our new ten-year (2023-2033) strategic framework, Lemlem, to guide our efforts to advance gender equality and gender justice for girls, women, and gender-diverse people across Africa. At its core, Lemlem focuses on resourcing, nurturing, and strengthening African women, feminist groups, organisations and movements to achieve transformative change. A key strategic priority within Lemlem is to grow and manage AWDF’s financial resources to sustain our ambitions and progress towards financial security. AWDF aims to particularly focus on generating and attracting the type of funding that will give us the flexibility we need to better resource, amplify, and sustain our movement partners – especially long-term, flexible, and unrestricted funding.

To meet this ambition, AWDF is recruiting a consultant (or teams of consultants) to act as a Resource Mobilisation Accelerator – a Resource Mobilisation strategist and expert who can assist the team in ensuring our resource mobilisation strategy, donor relationship management, practices and competencies are aligned with our new strategic vision. The Resource Mobilisation Accelerator’s work will run over a period of six months, and include an accompaniment program for key staff at AWDF around donor relationship management.

For more information and mode of application, please download the Terms of Reference here

Closing date is Friday 15th September 2023