AWDF is visionary. It started the wheels of African philanthropy before many were thinking about it. It was built by feminists, and has stayed true to its total commitment to responding to and resourcing the activism and methodologies that African women themselves propose as solutions to the continent’s crises. The mandate of ‘by and for’ African women is politically important but also has a practical impact. Staff at AWDF hear about issues as they are developing, and can take action to support responses- from women’s activism to end the war in Liberia to new work around women in the culture industries. The African Feminist Forum has been hosted by AWDF- a historic platform that has contributed directly to building stronger solidarity between activists on the continent including around the rise of religious fundamentalisms and oppressive laws around sexuality. Happy birthday AWDF! We are looking forward to many more years.