According to an old Chinese proverb, “women hold up half the sky”. In the battle against hunger and poverty, women, and especially rural women, most certainly hold up the heavier half.   In order to ensure food security at the household level it is important to realise the critical role women play, and to include […]

“I’m really excited that Leymah Gbowee alongside President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakkul Karman have been jointly awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Award. There seems no better time to publish the interview I held with her in 2008 on the sidelines of the 2nd African Feminist Forum” Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Communications Officer, AWDF […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Stephanie Glover 612.424.3634, usawdf@gmail.com     Jackie Copeland-Carson, Ph.D. Named to Head African Women’s Development Fund USA The African Women’s Development Fund USA (AWDF USA) has selected Dr. Jackie Copeland-Carson as its first USA Executive Director. Her appointment is effective September 15, 2011. Presently she is the president of Copeland […]

On the 4th of August 2011, I attended the ‘Adventurers in the Diaspora Series’ at Accra’s Golden Tulip. The topic for discussion was “Revitalising Ghana’s National Museum of Arts”, and judging by the huge turnout the subject was clearly of interest to a large number of people. There were several ‘distinguished’[1] persons on the panel. […]

  In March 2011, AWDF recognised Professor Abena Busia as one of 50 inspirational African feminists so I am especially delighted that her achievements are being celebrated publicly (and in her lifetime) on Wednesday, 29th June from 5.30pm-8.30pm at the National Theater in Accra, Ghana. Professor Busia in my opinion is an extremely multi talented […]

AWDF has been working in diverse ways to ensure that women play an active role in transforming their lives, families, communities, nations and the world to ensure social justice and equal opportunity for all. A number of factors contribute to the continuous perpetuation of the subjugation of women. Lack of education, employment, skills, opportunities and […]

                                          The amazing Sylvia Tamale has edited a new reader on ‘African Sexuality’ which I just cannot wait to get my hands on. This reader is published by Pambazuka Press. Click African Sexualities a reader […]

In April, Zee and l set off on a trip to Zimbabwe and Malawi to monitor women’s organisations that have received grants from AWDF in the last 3 years. Preparations for this visit started in February amidst mixed feelings of anxiety and fear especially about visiting Zimbabwe. There were also additional challenges including some difficulties […]

I walked out of the airport confidently, ignoring all the traders who were trying to sell me sim cards, mobile phones or whatever else they had for sale. Then I stopped, slightly confused. Where’s the taxi stand? I wondered. I could see no taxis whatsoever. In Accra (where I had journeyed from) there were numerous […]

Congratulations to Angela Dwamena-Aboagye of the Ark Foundation in Ghana for receiving a Millenium Excellence Award 2010 in the category of ‘Women’s Empowerment’. In 2005, the African Women’s Development Fund also recognised the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation with a Woman of Substance award. Congratulations Angela and all the team at the Ark