Author: African Women's Development Fund

AmplifyChange, a new CSO advocacy fund that will disburse at least 14 million euros in its first two years, launched on 22 September in New York. The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is part of the Consortium Steering Committee for Amplify Change. AWDF joins the fund, in an advisory capacity, due to our organisation’s robust portfolio of supporting women’s organisations in the field of Reproductive Health and Rights .

AmplifyChange is committing funds to break the silence on sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The fund provides grants to civil society organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia to advocate for, and support policy on, marginalized sexual and reproductive health and rights issues.

 

The fund supports groups working in these five areas:

1. Sexual Health of Young People:

Groups who provide and advocate for sexuality education for the young and those working to end child, early and coerced marriage

 

2. Gender-Based Violence:

Organisations who help protect and safeguard persons from violence, including sexual violence and female genital mutilation/cutting

 

3. Stigma and Discrimination:

Groups who challenge stigma and discrimination, attitude and laws, particularly on the grounds of gender and sexual orientation

 

4. Unsafe Abortion:

Organisations working to stop unsafe abortion, including decriminalization and harm reduction

 

5. Access for the Marginalised:

Groups who increase access to comprehensive reproductive services to those most marginalized, vulnerable and poor

 

AmplifyChange provides three types of grants:

 

Networking Grant ~ Building movements for change

Networking grants are intended for larger and more established coalitions. Networking grantees support smaller grantees to convene, learn lessons and strengthen their capacity to advocate change.

 

Strengthening Grant ~ Supporting projects for change

Strengthening grants are for civil society organization projects that can include core support. Strengthening grants build and support CSO voices, SRHR advocacy and engagement in policy processes. Groups aiming to innovate in the way they provide services can apply.

 

Innovation Grant ~ Nurturing new ideas

Innovation grants are smaller in size and cater for interesting new ideas on SRHR advocacy. These grants can be used to try new approaches or ideas in new contexts.

 

We encourage ALL interested women’s organisations to register on the AmplifyChange website through the “Request Information” button (top right corner of your screen). This is the best way to access critical information about the grants, guidelines, news updates and more.

This presents a radical opportunity for small and medium scale organisations, led by and for African women, to access funds and resources for work in sexual reproductive health and rights.

For more information, visit the AmplifyChange website or link with the grant maker on Twitter, @amplifyfund.

Suitably qualified individuals are invited to apply for a vacancy that has arisen at TrustAfrica.

Job Title: Communications Officer

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Web Development and Maintenance Team

Liaises with: All staff

Job Location: Dakar, with regular international travel

Deadline for application: 15 November 2014

About TrustAfrica: TrustAfrica is an independent foundation that works to secure the conditions for democratic governance and equitable development on the continent. We work principally through collaboration and partnership with like-minded institutions and donors. Led by Africans, we convene dialogues, catalyze ideas and provide grants and technical assistance to organizations working to advance these goals.

Purpose of the position: The Communications Officer plays an integral role by communicating the relevance of our mission, disseminating the results and significance of our work and engaging a diverse range of audiences and partners. Broadly, the purpose of the role is to strengthen TrustAfrica’s reputation, deepen its resources and amplify its contribution to African philanthropy, good governance and equitable development.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Officer will lead the development and implementation of TrustAfrica’s communications strategy, aiming to:

• Raise TrustAfrica’s profile and strengthen its reputation as a leader in its areas of focus.
• Mainstream a robust communications strategy across the organization’s programs.
• Integrate the different thematic databases into state-of-the-art electronic portals or knowledge hubs.
• Deploy new information and communication technologies to transform TrustAfrica’s databases.
• Develop a digital communications strategy that incorporates TrustAfrica’s website, intranet, and social media as tools for learning and engagement.
• Create a multiyear communications plan to support program implementation and institutional presence.

Qualifications:

• Passion for and expertise in how to use technology and innovation to further African agency and social justice.
• Big picture thinker with demonstrated practical experience in translating vision and strategy into coherent objectives and activities.
• An enabler, a connector, someone who is able to facilitate the communications process across the organization.
• A superb communicator. Strong writing and editing ability in English. Capacity to speak and write in French would be an added advantage.
• A team player, coach, a helper with ability to work sensitively and collaboratively in a collegial environment and with people based in various locations.
• A postgraduate degree in communication, media or related disciplines, preferably with a focus on one of TrustAfrica’s core program areas.
• Capacity to interact with new forms of media and audience engagement strategies as well as evaluation and analytics.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in communications, including experience in building, managing and setting the strategic direction of a team.
• Proven track record in developing high quality publications, articles, and different types of creative text related to TrustAfrica’s issue areas.
• Desired: Experience with a regional or international NGO or a knowledge-generating institution that works to influence policy.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following application materials in English: a cover letter, a detailed CV describing your professional experience, and contact information for three references. Only complete applications will be considered.

Applications can be submitted to: info@trustafrica.org

Please include your telephone number and Skype in your cover letter and indicate the job title in the subject of your email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

TrustAfrica is an equal opportunity employer. Women and individuals from Africa and the diaspora are encouraged to apply.

The board and staff of the African Women’s Development Fund offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Margaret Vogt, former UN Special Representative to the Central African Republic and a long time peace advocate and women’s rights activist. We mourn the passing of a trueAfrican leader and a great friend to AWDF, to social justice globally and to women’s rights in Africa. With her quiet, yet formidable spirit, Margaret was an inspiration to many – a change maker, mother, sister and wife, a colleague, a mentor and a friend – she will be greatly missed.

Please see the tribute website for Margaret at: http://www.tributes.com/obituary/guestbook/Margaret-Aderinsola-Vogt-101729704.

For nearly seven years, NANA DARKOA SEKYIAMAH has led the Communications forefront for the African Women’s Development Fund. During her tenure with our organization, she has authored new publications such as the Communications Handbook for Women’s Rights Organisations, co-authored Creating Spaces and Amplifying Voices: The First Ten Years of the African Women’s Development Fund and edited Women Leading Africa: Conversations with Inspirational Women. Nana has also created and led innovative projects for women writers, photographers, visual artists and filmmakers including the African Women in Film Forum [AWIFF], the African Women Writer’s Residency with FEMRITE [AWW14], and a number of workshops, master classes and exhibitions.

If you know Nana, you understand her passion for developing the capacity and visibility of African women. She lives and breathes it. Girlfriend’s got dedication, style, confidence, professionalism, and fortitude for days. She is a real go-getter, a team player, a mover and shaker. Although we are sad to see Nana go, she proves with every step what it means to dream big and act boldly.

Nana, we are thankful for your service to African women. Although we will miss working with you each week, we know you are never far. As we say at AWDF, once you are a part of the family you stay with us forever!

Scroll down to read more special shout-outs to Nana from staff, partners and grantees:

 

Thank you, Nana. Your humility is so inspiring. I will always remember our back and forth per email about the AWIFF 2013 programme. You could have put together a programme from you own great storehouse of experience. But you made a point of conferring with women in the film industry. I was, in fact, shocked that someone from the great AWDF was asking advice in such a candid manner. And what a success that AWIFF was! I wish more African leaders would do that. I know that in your next engagement you will continue your exemplary way of engagement.

Warmest regards and hugs,
Tsitsi Dangarembga
Director
Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (ICAPA) Trust
(incorporating Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe and Nyerai Films)
Founder International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF)

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Nana, your poise, confidence, warmth and creative activism has and will continue to change the world. With you marching, I don’t just want to shout from the sidelines, I want to join in! Thank you for your invaluable contributions at AWDF.

Love,
Yewande Omotoso
Author + Facilitator, IWD 2014 Writer’s Masterclass
African Women Writer’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction [AWDF + FEMRITE]

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Nana is an affable and strong achiever. In her I see greatness. She is a young lady with so much passion. She accepts everybody just the way they are. My friend had the opportunity to meet her and to narrate how she described Nana in a simple description – ‘She is really a nice person’. To add to this I’d say, Nana is the embodiment of what it means to be a Mentor. Nana for me, you are a genius and I encourage you to do more because young ladies like us always look up to you.

Trees grow and their leaves fall at some point in time. You leave with sadness in our hearts but also joy for your development into another challenging role. Go all out and be great!

Shirley Boakye
Administrative Assistant
AWDF

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With me, Nana’s reputation preceded her. I discovered her blog in 2013, and I was both awed by and scared of this African woman living in Ghana who was bold enough to write honestly and explicitly about her sex life without the protection of anonymity. I never imagined I would meet her, but when I did at AWW14, I was surprised to learn that this Nana was that Nana from Adventures. She was warm, laughing, generous, an encourager who didn’t mince words but still managed never to be cutting. Everything about her was inspiring – her drive, vision, style, even her gorgeous locks! And the way she said ‘Adventures’, holding that last ‘s’ like a secret only the initiated could understand, made a total believer out of me. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors, and I will forever be glad that I actually know her in real life. Because, you know, who doesn’t want to be associated with greatness?

Olutimehin Adegbeye
Writer
African Women Writer’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

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Nana is one of the most badass women I know.

Valérie Bah
Writer
African Women Writer’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

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Thank you, sister, for being a great friend and colleague. I appreciate you showing me the ropes at AWDF. You are an energetic inspiration – your honesty, poise, leadership and problem-solving attitude are what beams the most. Keep on shining your light.

Sionne Neely
Knowledge Management Specialist
AWDF

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Nana,
Herstory and history will remember you for facilitating women’s growth in the last six years. As a beneficiary of your many projects at AWDF, I can only say Asante sana (a big thank you in Kiswahili) for contributing to my personal and political growth through the feminist spaces and networks you have created.

Here is a traditional Gaelic blessing just for you:

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Much love,
Njoki Wamai
Writer
African Women Writer’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

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It has been a pleasure working with you and, on behalf of the team at Alliance Française d’Accra, we wish to thank you for your enthusiasm and cheerfulness. We hope our paths will meet again!

Best wishes,
Audrey Destandau
Acting Deputy Director
Alliance Française d’Accra

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Nana, you have changed my life in ways you will never imagine, never ever. I love you so much and I appreciate you. May the Universe arrange all things to be beautiful for you, that the desires of your heart are granted. May the angels go ahead of you and make the space you are entering gracious and life giving. May you soar high like an eagle and deep like the great white sharp. Be blessed. I am sending all my positive and loving energy to you, Nana!

Tendai Garwe
Writer
African Women’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

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Nana helped us understand the use of some social media applications like Twitter through How-to trainings. I appreciate her willingness always to share knowledge with others. Even during her last few days at AWDF, she took us through how to be digitally secure. Thank you Nana. Do keep up the good work you are doing. I will definitely miss our good morning greetings.

Zeytuna Abdella Azasoo
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
AWDF

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Sista, sista. Well done, Nana and many thanks for AWW14.

Best wishes, I know your hands turn everything your touch into gold!

Beatrice Lamwaka
Writer
African Women Writer’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

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Nana has truly been such an inspiration and the best supervisor that an intern could ever ask for. Coming from NYC, it is common for bosses to not interact with their interns very often, Nana completely turned my opinion around. She is so approachable and made herself available, in case I needed any help or had questions. She really made me feel like I was part of the organization and not just another intern to her. I remember she even got me a thoughtful souvenir when she came back from Thailand, which made me feel appreciated.

I hope to be half of the woman she is, one day, because she is someone that does everything 110% and can make a connection with anyone she meets. She is really the epitome of a strong, independent and humble woman who works as hard as she can, at things she is truly passionate about! She gave me so many opportunities and has really made me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. I wish her the best in everything that she does and hope that I would get the chance to work with her again!

Emily Barnard
Communications Assistant
AWDF

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It has been amazing meeting you. Thank you for all the work you have done over the past 7 years. Thank you for keeping the door open for other sisters and being so authentic to your work. I wish you nothing but success and I know you will excel and shine for African women wherever you are!

Moiyattu Banya
Writer
African Women Writer’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

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Nana is an organiser extraordinaire! She and her team put together the excellent AWIFF Forum and I was glad to be a part of it. She organised everything well in advance, and ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. I have never worked with someone so efficient and professional. It was a joy and a pleasure. She’ll be an asset wherever she goes. I hope we get to work together again soon.

Best,
Ade Solanke
Writer/Producer
Spora Stories

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Please let me join everyone in saying Nana, you are such an incredible mobiliser, organiser, activator, co-conspirator, sister, friend. Thank you for all your amazing years of dedicated service to AWDF and to ensuring that you create spaces such as these for other African women. You hard work, dedication and commitment has not gone unnoticed and I am eternally grateful for all the opportunities you have directed my way. THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU very much! Looking forward to working with you in the future.

Big hugs,
Amina Doherty
Communications Consultant, AWDF
Writer, African Women’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

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Nana, continue soaring to higher heights. Live long, write hard and make us proud.

Abena Kyere
Writer
African Women’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

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Wishing you MORE of the BEST in EVERY thing you do, Nana! Walk good!

Yaba Blay, Ph.D.
Co-Director of Africana Studies
Drexel University [U.S.]

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Nana, you have no choice, you’ve got to surpass your amazing achievements. Go forth and shine. Sista, sista…

Kechi Nomu
Writer
African Women’s Residency on Creative Non-fiction

Position: Finance/Operations Manager

Location: Accra, Ghana

Reports To: Regional Manager

Division: Education Programs Division

About IREX

IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. We enable local individuals and institutions to build key elements of a vibrant society: quality education, independent media, and strong communities. To strengthen these sectors, our program activities also include conflict resolution, technology for development, women and youth.

Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $70 million and a staff of over 400 professionals worldwide. IREX employs field-tested methods and innovative uses of technologies to develop practical and locally-driven solutions with our partners in more than 100 countries.

Summary of Position

The Finance/Operations Manager will be responsible for the administrative and financial management of the program, including budget management, procurement, logistics, human resources and operations. The Finance/Operations Manager will support the program staff in preparing financial reports, maintaining currency flow control, office administration, and purchasing. The Finance/Operations Manager will coordinate closely IREX Program and Finance staff based in Washington, DC.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Assist in implementing financial policies and procedures
• Assist in establishing, maintaining, and reconciling the office ledger
• Assist in preparing and reconciling bank statements and accounts
• Ensure transactions are properly recorded and reported through the Quick Books accounting software system
• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports and transaction reports
• Maintain all computerized accounting systems and records
• Maintain and monitor all active accounts to ensure accurate records of all project funds
• Prepare and process payments
• Prepare payment reconciliations
• Submit monthly financial reports to senior staff members
• Prepare financial forecasts
• Process VAT returns and all other local tax obligations to the appropriate local government agencies
• Prepare expense reports for IREX office and project staff
• Ensure compliance with donor and IREX policies and procedures as well as local law in all IREX expenditures
• Ensure compliance with donor and IREX policies and procedures as well as local law in all contracts, agreements, and sub agreements before they are signed, including but not limited to selection procedures; documentation requirements, compliance with approval authorizations and authorization levels
• Coordinate and direct administrative support functions
• Assist in inputting budget information into office data systems
• Maintain the office payroll records and manage employee payment
• Maintain financial files and records
• Manage office petty cash
• Ensure that all procurement is in compliance with local government, U.S. Government and IREX regulations
• Assist with office inventory
• Assist with logistics of trainings
• Perform other related duties as required

Skills and Qualifications:

• Legal Resident of Ghana with Authorization to Work
• University experience; in possession of a degree/diploma in the field of Accounting or Business Administration
• Experience with the Quick Books accounting software package preferred
• Knowledge and experience managing office financial environments
• Knowledge and experience with Ghanaian local tax and reporting process
• Professional commitment and work ethic
• 3 years of experience and knowledge of relevant tasks is preferred
• 3 years working with NGOs in finance and administration is preferred
• English fluency required; French proficiency preferred

 

To Apply

Go to http://www.irex.org/careers and click on Current Openings. Then click on the corresponding position and apply through our website. Please supply a resume and a cover letter with your application. If you are creating a new profile you need to do so and then go back in to apply for a position.

 

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
AA/EOE/M/F/D/V

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]The 3rd Chief Executive Officer’s Forum

on

Leadership, Governance and Communication for CEOs of Women’s Organisations

June 2 – 4, 2014

Nairobi, Kenya

It is a biennial event convened by African Women’s Development Fund with CEOs and EDs from various women’s organisations supported by AWDF. Within this forum there were four interweaving themes: leadership, executive governance, communications and self-care. The forum was organized as an intimate conversation in which participants would be encouraged to share openly about their experiences and their observations.

During reflections on leadership, participants shared their successes, challenges and lessons as well as listening to the journeys of leading women in politics, business, and the women’s movement. Facilitator Hope Chigudu warned against overexertion by the leaders of the various organisations in an emotional and intense handout given to each participant entitled “Dear Activist.” She demonstrated how detrimental overwork could be to personal and professional lives especially if there is not enough time taken for wellbeing. According to her, “power within – a sense of one’s own dignity, profound sense of empowerment is always undermined by doubt, shame and guilt produced by the fragmentation and exhaustion of activists lives; think of how much power within is still driven by ambition and fear.”

Health care practitioner, Dina Cesano spoke to the leaders about the relationship between leadership, wellbeing and health. She was available for consultation on healthy lifestyles throughout the three days of the forum. AWDF Board Chair Professor Sesae Mpuchane passed on the gems she has picked up on good governance through sitting on various boards. Both AWDF CEO Theo Sowa and Mentoring and Empowerment Programme echoed most of her sentiments for Young Women (MEMPROW) founder Dr. Hilda Tadria who shared their experiences of being leaders in their organisations as well as sitting on various boards. Participants were then put in two groups to discuss governance as they have experienced or seen it in various organisations.

During her presentation Paula Fray of Frayintermedia emphasized the need for the participants to recognize the importance of communication for their organisations. Without communication, she said, all the good work done by their organisations is invisible to the wider public and that is disadvantageous to them and their constituency. The participants were given a practical exercise of making the case for their work in front of the camera and thereafter gave each other feedback.

Finally, ten selected leaders were assigned to two coaches. In groups of two, they discussed what they felt they needed support with the most in the next ten months so as to be better effective and radical feminist leaders.

As the forum came to an end, it was clear that paying attention to the internal processes of the organisations is vital. “There is need for to be a big emphasis on quality and excellence in whatever is done. Inside, a feminist organisation must be alive and re-inventing its creativeness – learning and leading from the inside, not just responding to the outside” emphasized Sarah Mukasa of AWDF.

Read more about all that happened at the forum here: THE 3RD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S FORUM[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Le 3ème Forum de chef de la direction

sur

Leadership et gouvernance de la communication pour les dirigeants des organisations de femmes

2 au 4 juin 2014

Nairobi, Kenya

Il est un événement biennal organisé par le Fonds Africain de développement de la femme avec les Directeurs et gestionnaires de diverses organisations de femmes soutenues par AWDF. Dans ce forum, il y avait quatre thèmes entrelacés: le leadership, la gouvernance exécutive, les communications et l’auto-soins. Le forum a été organisé comme une conversation intime dans laquelle les participants seraient encouragés à partager ouvertement leurs expériences et leurs observations.

Au cours de réflexions sur le leadership, les participants ont partagé leurs succès, les défis et les leçons ainsi que l’écoute des voyages de femmes leaders en politique, des affaires, et le mouvement des femmes. Facilitateur d’espoir Chigudu a mis en garde contre le surmenage par les dirigeants des différentes organisations dans un document émouvant et intense remis à chaque participant intitulé “Cher activiste.” Elle a démontré comment le surmenage pouvait être préjudiciable à la vie personnelle et professionnelle, surtout si il n’y a pas assez de temps pris pour être bien. Selon elle, “le pouvoir- un sentiment de sa propre dignité, le sens profond de l’autonomisation est toujours miné par le doute, la honte et la culpabilité produite par la fragmentation et l’épuisement des militants; pensez à combien le pouvoir dans le fond est toujours tirée par l’ambition et la peur ».

Praticien de la santé, Dina Cesano a parlé aux dirigeants sur la relation entre le leadership, le bien-être et la santé. Elle était disponible pour des consultations sur les modes de vie sains tout au long des trois jours du forum. La Présidente du conseil d’AWDF professeur Sesae Mpuchane est passé sur les gemmes, elle a ramassé sur la bonne gouvernance en siégeant à divers conseils. Les deux Directrices d’AWDF Theo Sowa et le programme de mentorat et d’autonomisation font écho à la plupart des sentiments de la fondatrice pour les jeunes femmes (MEMPROW) , le Dr. Hilda Tadria qui ont partagé leurs expériences d’être des leaders dans leurs organisations ainsi qu’en siégeant à divers conseils d’administration. Les participants ont ensuite été mis en deux groupes pour discuter de la gouvernance comme ils l’ont vécue ou vue dans diverses organisations.

Au cours de sa présentation Paula Fray des Frayintermedia a souligné la nécessité pour les participants à reconnaître l’importance de la communication pour leurs organisations. Sans communication, dit-elle, tout le bon travail fait par leurs organisations est invisible pour le grand public et qui est désavantageux pour eux et leur circonscription. Les participants ont reçu un exercice pratique, faire le cas pour leur travail en face de la caméra et par la suite les uns des autres ont donné des commentaires.

Enfin, dix chefs sélectionnés ont été assignés à deux entraîneurs. En groupes de deux, ils ont discuté de ce qu’ils croient avoir besoin en terme de soutien au cours des dix prochains mois afin d’être des leaders féministes meilleure efficaces et radicales.

Comme le forum a pris fin, il était clair que l’attention aux processus internes des organisations est vital. “Il est nécessaire de mettre un grand accent sur la qualité et l’excellence dans tout ce qui est fait. A l’intérieur, une organisation féministe doit être vivante et réinventer sa créativité – l’apprentissage et être leader de l’intérieur, pas seulement répondre à l’extérieur “, a souligné Sarah Mukasa d’AWDF.

En savoir plus sur tout ce qui est arrivé lors du forum ici: le 3e Forum des CHEFs DE LA DIRECTION[/tp]

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]African Women Write (AWW14) is a document which details the writers (including facilitators and the coordinating team) who constitute #AWW14. In case you are wondering what that hashtag means, its the acronym that was coined for ‘African Women Writers’ with 14 representing the year this workshop took place.

Access it here: African Women Write (AWW14)[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]African Women Write (AWW14) est un document qui détaille les écrivaines (y compris les animatrices et l’équipe de coordination) qui constituent # AWW14. Dans le cas où vous vous demandez ce que signifie ce hashtag, son sigle a été inventé pour ‘African Women Writers’ qui comptait 14 représentantes l’année où cet atelier a eu lieu.

Accéder ici: African Women Write (AWW14)[/tp]

Once I became aware of myself, it occurred to me that maybe I should add to the world’s store of stories.

-Ama Ata Aidoo

 

On 17^th September, The African Women’s Development Fund launched The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo, a documentary on the life and work of critically acclaimed Ghanaian author, Ama Ata Aidoo, at the British Council in Accra. The documentary was directed and produced by Yaba Badoe and co-produced by Amina Mama for Fadoa Films. AWDF contributed 40% funding for the project with the remaining 60% accumulated through crowdsourcing on IndieGogo.

 

AWDF CEO, Theo Sowa, introduced the documentary and its protagonist with these words: “Here we celebrate one of our icons – an African leader who pushes for social justice and change. She has done so much for all of us. She’s marked by a love for her people today and forever. Using an evocative and magical medium, Yaba and Amina have helped us to understand this phenomenon in our world. She is representative of African women who are strong, agile, and flexible and have been leaders on our continent for ages. Her words will continue as a model for younger generations.”

Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo

Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, who served as a member of the film’s Advisory Committee, also offered opening remarks. She humored the audience with her personal insights of the writer, describing her ‘feisty’ character, praising her rare ability to reflect critical questions in her characters, and her adeptness at baking pineapple pie. As Sutherland-Addy mused, “This film plunges us deep into Ama Ata Aidoo’s world. She is a playwright, essayist, poet, novelist, short story writer, academic and politically conscious intellectual. What force caused such a person to emerge in our literary scene?” She highlighted the need for women’s stories to be told and encouraged events such as these to promote the visibility of African women.

Prof. Esi Sutherland Addy’s opening remarks

Kinna Likimani, Ama Ata Aidoo’s daughter, spoke on her mother’s behalf stating how “increasingly pensive and nervous she became as we were getting closer to this day. She kept saying, there’s so much exposure!” Kinna revealed that three books had been written about Aidoo’s life detailing that this was a great accomplishment preceding the documentary. Kinna shared, “She has labored to write while being an African woman – also mother, grandmother, daughter, caregiver, teacher and philanthropist. She struggles to be appreciative of what she’s done, mournful about the books she hasn’t written.”

 

Kinna explained that, “growing up, no one in her life discouraged her from writing.” In fact, Aidoo was supported by anchors from her early days in Abeadzi Kyiakor to her studies at Wesley Girls [where a teacher gave her a typewriter] and the University of Ghana-Legon, teaching at the University of Cape Coast and working within an evolving sisterhood of African women writers. Kinna continued, “her life is situated within a community of women writers, academics and filmmakers. In many ways, this documentary is a coming together of African women creators.”

 

Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo and Kinna Likimani

In the film, Aidoo’s writing journey is documented through snippets of her life history. She reads excerpts from a diverse archive including Dilemma of a Ghost (1965), Our Sister Killjoy (1977) and Changes: A Love Story (1991). This adds a serene pace to the tone of the documentary. The film portrays her relationship with mentor Efua Sutherland and fellow writers Mariama Ba and Buchi Emecheta, among others.

 

Aidoo’s story takes the audience on her journey from start to finish. The film also illustrates how Aidoo’s love of storytelling came from her mother who would share stories in the early hours of the morning. An insistence on showing her hometown gave the audience a better insight into the early days of her life there as daughter of a chief and part of the royal family. Aidoo explains the Fante folktale culture of her childhood, giving the audience an opportunity to witness a story being performed live with music and dance.

 

Her ability as a writer to develop complex characters that signal the demands of social life is matched by a close attention to the contradictions within relationships. As Aidoo muses in the film, “Ghanaians have always been nervous about the presence of people from the diaspora here. This is in part because they remind us of what we don’t want to deal with. In the wake of the slave trade, we ourselves were colonized. We were conquered and we have not really dealt with the implications of colonization…So the relationship between us and the African diaspora is charged.”

 

Her literary diversity is further highlighted in the range of stories she tells. The stories are timeless in the sense that the characters and attitudes portrayed are still very much relevant today as is evident in No Sweetness Here (1970). Aidoo is also a strong believer in the capacity of African communities to solve problems experienced. She uses literature to encourage her audience to consider social issues more seriously.

 

A Q+A followed with the filmmakers and Aidoo providing greater insights into her personality and range of work. As Ghana’s Minister of Education from 1983-84, she encouraged the recruitment and development of women teachers. Aidoo shared that this is the accomplishment she was most proud of during her tenure. Ultimately, the author left this position because writing is and has always been her calling. The scene that stood out most in the film was how speechless Aidoo was by the crowd’s reaction at the close of Anowa, performed by theater students from the University of California, Santa Barbara. The performance of Aidoo’s work by these students translates the vast impact of her work not only for Literature but also for Theater and Performance Studies. There is also a deep sense that Aidoo is impacted by the influence her work has achieved among fellow writers and admirers.

Open forum with Yaba Badoe, Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo, Prof. Esi Sutherland Addy and Amina Mama

Ama Ata Aidoo discussed her own struggle with publishers and the lack of support in the publishing world for African writers, particularly African women writers. She highlighted that this was now changing with the success of writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This conversation sparked a fundraising call to boost AWDF’s support of women organizations in Art, Culture and Sports. DVDs of the film were then auctioned and pledges were made by multiple audience members, totaling more than 11,000GHC.

Abigail Burgesson auctioning copies of the Documentary

The filmmakers also discussed the challenges experienced making The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo over the last three years. Yaba Badoe and Amina Mama gave greater perspective on the process of creating a documentary and encouraged more women to get into the filmmaking practice by portraying the affirming aspects of African cultures. Amina Mama detailed, “Many people outside of the continent are only interested in Africans suffering. We did experience difficulty in mobilizing resources for the film. But we can never let money detain us because we have great things to do. This film is a movement and it built its own community.”

 

By Shakira Chambas and Sionne Neely

Photos by Seth Adu-Amankwah

 

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]A Dispatch from the Girls of Sierra Leone about the impact of the 3-day-Ebola Lockdown

I always look forward to hearing from my girls, because they brighten my day. When I noticed the +232 area code, I answered because I knew the caller was a loved-one. Ever since the Ebola epidemic, not one +232 number has gone unanswered.

The phone rang and I heard Isatu’s cheery voice, she was flashing me, a regular practice that Sierra Leonean’s use to alert their loves one to call them back.

“Aunty Moiyattu, call me back—I don’t have any credits.”

Since this was a normal occurrence between us. I called her back in haste. She told me that it was the second day of the Ebola lockdown that Sierra Leone’s government had imposed on the country. When I asked her how she was doing, she expressed that all was well, and that she was in high spirits. This made me smile as I wondered when next I would see her.

Every year, my organization which is focuses on girls empowerment work in Sierra Leone, hosts an annual summit that brings 50 Sierra Leonean girls aged 12-16 from various backgrounds together for a two-day Summit, providing them with various workshops to help enhance their sense of self, to build relationships with peers, and to train young Sierra Leonean women mentors. Throughout the year, the girls meet in small cohorts and participate in community development projects.

My team and I have been doing this since 2012, but for the first time, things are uncertain. Our Sierra Leone-based programming has been placed on hold because of the Ebola outbreak and we have no idea what the next steps for the girls or the organization would be in the next few months.

During our chat, I asked Isatu how the lock down was going.

“The Ebola people dem cam tiday,” she explained.

The Ebola Ose-to-Ose (house-to-house) response team that had been conducting sensitizations during the three-day lock down in Sierra Leone. When they came to her house, she reported, the team had instructed her family to wash their hands, avoid bodily and skin-to-skin contact, and left them with a bar of soap.

I smiled at the innocence of her explanation and asked her if she had found the information helpful. She responded that indeed, it was good to hear it, but that she had also heard the same information from our country coordinator.

I wondered how a bar of soap would help Isatu stay stimulated educationally so that she wouldn’t fall behind on her classes? How would a bar of soap help prevent Ebola from affecting Isatu’s family and many other families? At that moment I wished that the bar of soap could wash away every terrible memory of this Ebola epidemic. I wished the bar of soap could bring back the 500 plus lives that have been lost, I wish the bar of soap can bring the girls back together to see each other, I wish the bar of soap would allow GESSL to happen this year, but it won’t. It would serve its purpose of a few hand wash cycles.

I worry for her, my GESSL girls, and other Sierra Leonean girls, because I don’t see an end to this epidemic. Since the beginning of the Ebola epidemic, a few of our girls have lost their parents from unknown causes. Furthermore, the government has banned gatherings in the country. Therefore, the regular meetings we held with them had been put on hold for three months and counting.

Knowing that the girls relied on our support and on each other for support, our staff devised a plan to call them every two weeks to ensure that everyone was doing well and to take note of any emerging needs with which we could assist.

It was during these calls that they revealed some of their fears and losses, and it was in this way that we found out about deaths in their families. During these calls, the girls divulged that they were anxious to reunite and how much they missed seeing each other at meetings, and how much they longed to return to school.

Ebola impacts girls on many levels; it insinuates fears and uncertainties and takes away their lifelines, including critical programs such as GESSL—their contact with other girls and their mentors. This is what Ebola does to such critical work; it dismantles meaningful projects, dilutes efforts and pushes girls further away from achieving their greatest potential. Our meaningful work has come to a standstill.

On our call, she tells me she is writing in her journal everyday to different people including me about her experience during the lock down. The most exciting thing Isatu had to tell me was that she came third in her class and was moving on to Senior Secondary Two (SS2). I was so proud of her and asked her what soft drink she would want when we celebrate her success. She chuckled and responded that “anytin normor” (anything). I wondered when school would re-open for her to go back and continue exceling in her studies.

In Sierra Leone, school usually resumes by September. Unfortunately, with the uncontrollable spread of Ebola, they have been closed down indefinitely under government instruction. Any stretch of time that the girls spend out of school is detrimental to their learning and social functioning. This severely impacts children in the country, especially girls who are already at a disadvantage when it comes to secondary education. According to a report by the UNICEF “though attendance rates for boys and girls are almost equal at the primary level, there is a high dropout rate for girls and their enrolment in secondary education is low with net a secondary school attendance rate of only 19 per cent”, most girls drop out of school during secondary school and the Ebola epidemic could make this much worse. The fact that the girls have to stay at home can expose them to behaviors. Though there are some efforts within the country by local NGOs to help children stay stimulated via radio programming, this is the best that can be done. But it is still not enough.

As we were about to say our goodbyes, Isatu asked me,

“Aunty Moiyattu, is the summit going to happen this year? Will I see you this year December?”

Every year, my answer has been the same,

“Yes, of course my dear—ah dey live en direct,”

I usually tell them that I will be there. This year is different and it pains me. My voice shook in response. I realized that the answer I was about to give her was one more entry onto her list of uncertainties in the midst of Ebola. In that moment I wasn’t a Co-Founder of an organization, I was her sister.

“I am not sure yet, we will let you all know when the next GESSL summit will be.”

I could hear her sadness on the other end of the line.

“Noooooo! Aye booooo!”

At that moment there was nothing I could say to pacify her; it was impossible to assure her that Ebola would come to an end, or that life would resume as usual. I was at a loss for words. That was one of the hardest conversations I have had this year.

In the meantime, we continue to encourage the girls to write about their experiences in journals not only to stimulate their minds, but also as a means of therapy. We hope for them to be able to share their stories in a communal manner some day. We encourage them to call each other, and, we work on ways to support their families. As I ended the call with, I assured her that I would continue to pray and asked her to do the same. I assured her that, one day hopefully soon, we will have another summit, where she will play a key role. I can only hope that all they have learnt in these two years will keep them connected and keep them going through these hard times. When I hung up the phone, I realized that Isatu’s story and the story of many Sierra Leonean girls, girls in Kailahun, Kambia, Kono, might go untold in the midst of such an epidemic.

Bio

Moiyattu is a Feminist, Writer and Digital Mover and Shaker. She currently teaches Women Studies courses at Temple University and does consulting work for social enterprises in West Africa. She was a participant at AWDF & FEMRITE’s first writers workshop held in July 2014. Follow her on Twitter @Wcaworld or read her blog www.womenchangeafrica.com.[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Une dépêche de l’filles de Sierra Leone à propos de l’impact de la 3-days-Ebola Lockdown

J’attends toujours avec impatience des nouvelles de mes filles, car elles éclairent ma journée. Quand je remarquais le code +232 de la zone, je répondis, parce que je savais que l’appelant était un être aimé. Depuis l’épidémie d’Ebola,pa un seul appel en +232 est restée sans réponse.

Le téléphone sonna et j’entendis la voix joyeuse d’Isatu, elle me “bip”, une pratique régulière en Sierra Leone pour informer les personnes aimées de les rappeler.

“Tante Moiyattu, rappelle moi je n’ai plus de crédit.”

Depuis ce fut un phénomène normal entre nous. Je l’ai rappelée à la hâte. Elle m’a dit que c’était le deuxième jour de la Lockdown contre Ebola que le gouvernement de la Sierra Leone avait imposé au pays. Quand je lui ai demandé comment elle allait, elle a exprimé que tout allait bien, et qu’elle était de bonne humeur. Cela m’a fait sourire comme je me demandais quand je la reverrais.

Chaque année, mon organisation qui est axée sur le travail d’autonomisation des filles en Sierra Leone, accueille un sommet annuel qui réunit 50 filles sierra-léonaises âgées de 12 à 16 ans et de divers horizons pour un sommet de deux jours, en leur fournissant divers ateliers pour aider à améliorer leur sentiment de soi, à établir des relations avec leurs pairs, et former de jeunes mentors sierra-léonaises. Tout au long de l’année, les filles se rencontrent dans les petites cohortes et participer à des projets de développement communautaire.

Mon équipe et moi-même faisons cela depuis 2012, mais pour la première fois, les choses sont incertaines. Notre programmation axée sur la Sierra Leone a été mise en attente en raison de l’épidémie d’Ebola et nous n’avons aucune idée de ce que seront les prochaines étapes pour les filles ou l’organisation dans les prochains mois.

Lors de notre conversation, je demandai à Isatu comment le verrouillage allait.

“Les gens d’Ebola ils sont venus ajourd’hui” a-t-elle expliqué.

Une équipe d’intervention contre le virus Ebola avait été mené des sensibilisations ‘Ose-to-Ose’ (maison-à-maison) au cours des trois jours de verrouillage en Sierra Leone. Quand ils sont venus chez elle, elle m’a rapporté que l’équipe avait demandé à sa famille de se laver les mains, d’éviter les blessures et le contact peau-à-peau, et les a laissés avec une barre de savon.

Je souris à l’innocence de son explication et lui ai demandé si elle avait trouvé l’information utile. Elle a répondu qu’en effet, il était bon de l’entendre, mais qu’elle avait également entendu les mêmes informations de notre coordinateur national.

Je me demandais comment une barre de savon aiderait Isatu à rester stimulée scolairement afin qu’elle ne soit pas en retard sur ses cours? Comment une barre de savon aiderait à empêcher Ebola d’affecter la famille d’Isatu et bien d’autres familles? A ce moment, je voulais que la barre de savon puisse laver chaque souvenir terrible de cette épidémie d’Ebola. Je voulais la barre de savon puisse ramener les 500 vies et plus qui ont été perdues, je tiens à ce que la barre de savon ramène les filles de retour ensemble pour voir l’autre, je tiens à ce que la barre de savon permette à Gessl de se produire cette année, mais ça ne sera pas le cas. Il servir juste son objectif de quelques cycles de lavage des mains.

Je crains pour elle, mes filles de Gessl, et d’autres filles de Sierra Leone, parce que je ne vois pas de terme à cette épidémie. Depuis le début de l’épidémie d’Ebola, quelques-unes de nos filles ont perdu leurs parents pour des raisons inconnues. En outre, le gouvernement a interdit les rassemblements dans le pays. Par conséquent, les réunions régulières que nous avons eues avec elles avaient été mises en attente pendant trois mois.

Sachant que les filles comptaient sur nous et sur les autres pour le soutien, notre personnel a conçu un plan pour les appeler toutes les deux semaines afin de s’assurer que tout le monde va bien et pour prendre note de tous les besoins émergents avec lesquels nous pourrions aider.

Ce fut pendant ces appels qu’elles ont révélé certaines de leurs craintes et les pertes, et c’est de cette façon que nous avons découvert les décès dans leur famille. Au cours de ces appels, les filles ont divulgué qu’elles étaient impatientes de se réunir et combien elles se sont manqué depuis les réunions, et combien elles aspiraient à retourner à l’école.

L’impact d’Ebola sur les filles se fait à de nombreux niveaux; il insinue des craintes et incertitudes et enlève leurs lignes de vie, y compris les programmes essentiels tels que Gessl-leur contact avec d’autres filles et de leurs mentors. Ceci est ce que le virus Ebola a fait de plus critique pour notre travail; il démonte des projets significatifs, dilue les efforts et pousse plus loin les filles à réaliser leur plus grand potentiel. Notre travail significatif est venu à s’arrêter.

Lors de notre appel, elle me dit qu’elle est en train d’écrire dans son journal tous les jours à des personnes différentes, moi y compris à propos de son expérience lors du verrouillage. La chose la plus excitante qu’Isatu avait à me dire c’est qu’elle était arrivée en troisième position dans sa classe et passait en Senior Secondary Two (SS2). Je suis tellement fière d’elle et lui ai demandé quelle boisson elle voudrait lorsque nous célébrerons son succès. Elle a rit et a répondu que “anytin normor” (rien). Je me demandais quand l’école rouvrirait pour elle afin de revenir en arrière et continuer à exceller dans ses études.

En Sierra Leone, l’école reprend généralement en Septembre. Malheureusement, avec la propagation incontrôlable de l’Ebola, elles ont été fermées indéfiniment sous l’instruction du gouvernement. Tout le temps que les filles passent loin de l’école est préjudiciable à leur apprentissage et à leur fonctionnement social. Cela a un impact sévère pour les enfants dans le pays, surtout les filles qui sont déjà dans une situation désavantageuse quand on en vient à l’enseignement secondaire. Selon un rapport de l’UNICEF «si les taux de fréquentation pour les garçons et les filles sont presque égaux au niveau primaire, il y a un taux élevé d’abandon scolaire pour les filles et de leur scolarisation dans le secondaire est faible avec un taux de fréquentation de l’école secondaire de seulement 19%, la plupart des filles abandonnent l’école pendant l’école secondaire et l’épidémie d’Ebola pourraient faire que cela soit bien pire. Le fait que les filles doivent rester à la maison peut les exposer à certains comportements. Bien qu’il y ait des efforts faits dans le pays par des ONG locales pour aider les enfants à rester stimulés par les programmations de la radio, ceci est le meilleur qui puisse être fait. Mais il ne suffit toujours pas.

Comme nous étions sur le point de faire nos adieux, Isatu m’a demandé,

“Tante Moiyattu, le sommet va se passer cette année? Vais-je vous voir cette année en Décembre? ”

Chaque année, ma réponse a été la même,

“Oui, bien sûr ma chère ah-ils vivent en direct,”

Je leur dis souvent que je serai là. Cette année est différente et cela me fait mal. Ma voix tremblait en lui répondant. Je me rendis compte que la réponse que j’étais sur le point de lui donner était une entrée de plus sur sa liste d’incertitudes par rapport au virus Ebola. En ce moment, je ne suis pas la co-fondatrice d’une organisation, je suis sa sœur.

“Je ne suis pas encore sûre, nous vous ferons quand le prochain sommet de Gessl aura lieu.”

Je pouvais entendre sa tristesse à l’autre bout de la ligne.

“Nooon! Aye booooo! ”

A ce moment, il n’y avait rien que je puisse dire pour l’apaiser; il était impossible de lui assurer que le virus Ebola serait arrivé à son terme, ou que la vie allait reprendre comme d’habitude. J’étais à cours de mots. Ce fut l’une des conversations les plus difficiles que je l’ai eu cette année.

En attendant, nous continuons d’encourager les filles à écrire sur leurs expériences dans des revues non seulement à stimuler leur esprit, mais aussi comme un moyen de la thérapie. Nous espérons pour eux d’être en mesure de partager leurs histoires d’une manière collective un jour. Nous les encourageons à appeler les uns des autres, et, nous travaillons sur les moyens de soutenir leurs familles. Comme je l’ai fini avec l’appel, je lui assurai que je voudrais continuer à prier et lui ai demandé de faire la même chose. Je lui assurai que, un jour bientôt je l’espère, nous aurons un autre sommet, où elle jouera un rôle clé. Je ne peux qu’espérer que tout ce qu’elles ont appris au cours de ces deux années saura les garder connectées et les aider à passer par ces moments difficiles. Quand j’ai raccroché le téléphone, je me rendis compte que l’histoire d’Isatu et l’histoire de beaucoup de jeunes filles de la Sierra Leone, les filles de Kailahun, Kambia, Kono, étaient indicibles au milieu d’une telle épidémie.

Bio

Moiyattu est une féministe, écrivain et ‘Mover et Shaker’ numérique. Elle enseigne actuellement les études féminines à l’Université du Temple et fait un travail de conseil pour les entreprises sociales en Afrique de l’Ouest. Elle a participé au premier atelier des écrivains AWDF & FEMRITE tenu en Juillet 2014. Suivez-la sur Twitter @Wcaworld ou lisez son blog www.womenchangeafrica.com.[/tp]

 

Background

The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), an Africa wide women’s rights grant making foundation based in Accra, Ghana requires the services of a Communications and Fundraising Specialist who will work within the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.

Job Summary

The post holder will be responsible for managing the diverse communications needs of the organization, working closely with the CEO and other members of the fundraising and communications team. Knowledge of managing websites, social media tools, microsoft office, good writing skills, strong communications experience and events organising are essential. The ability to speak and write French will be an advantage.

Deadline: 10th October 2014

Location: Accra, Ghana

Specific Duties:

• To provide strategic oversight, develop and manage AWDF’s diverse communication needs
• To strengthen and implement AWDF’s communications strategy, including in the following ways:
  • compile regular newsletters, grantee stories and updates for the AWDF and African Feminist Forum(AFF) websites, associated social media channels and other communications outlets as identified
  • be proactive, prompt and timely in communicating briefs on emerging issues involving women and girls on the continent
  • conduct and write up various interviews, including of African women leaders and AWDF’s grantee partners
  • update specific social media tools.
  • organise a range of outreach events
  • write and produce publications, reports, press releases, statements and flyers for diverse constituencies
  • be proactive in identifying new communications opportunities for AWDF, its staff, its grantees and networks
  • To develop and manage AWDF’s communications databases with contacts and details of AWDF’s key stakeholders.
  • lead on the organisation of key events in the AWDF calendar including International Women’s Day celebrations and the organisation of the African Women in Film Forum
• To lead on programmatic communications activities as part of AWDF’s non grant making activities and to provide advice, guidance and ideas regarding communications in AWDF’s thematic grantmaking areas
• To provide fundraising communications support as well as report/proposal writing to donors and other stakeholders
• To provide special communications support to the Office of the CEO and to Special Programmes, including in building AWDF’s portfolio of individual donors
• To support the communication needs and training of AWDF staff and grantee partners
• To act as the key contact person to the media
• To build communication partnerships and key media alliances
• To collect and prepare stories capturing the impact of AWDF’s work and our grantee partners
• Analyse the impact of AWDF’s communications activities
• Any other reasonable duties assigned

Essential Knowledge and Experience:

• Education to graduate degree level
• Experience of managing communications programmes and activities in a range of settings, but particularly in media, civil society or social justice organisations
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral)
• Excellent IT skills
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work democratically and effectively with diverse groups and people.
• Ability to work to work to tight deadlines.
• Strong commitment to social justice, women’s rights and social change

Qualifications

• University degree in the social sciences, preferably in Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or other related discipline.

• Working knowledge of French will be an advantage, as will experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.

Qualified candidates should send typed applications and a CV of not more than 3 pages to the Human Resource Manager, African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), 78 Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon, P.M.B.CT 89, and Cantonments Accra Ghana. Copies should be sent by email to ninson@africlub.net/awdf with ‘Communications and Fundraising Specialist’ as the subject reference. Applications should reach AWDF no later than October 10, 2014.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for additional information and interviews