Author: African Women's Development Fund

This is a discussion document for the inaugural meeting of the Africa Grantmakers Network (AGN), April 3-4, 2009 in Accra.

Learn more about: Establishing an Africa Grantmakers Network

Learn more about our 10 years of grant making in East and Central Africa: East and Central Africa Grantees

On the 4^th 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. This is how members of the panel were described in the event posted on Facebook:

 

“Mrs. Frances Ademola -artist and owner of Ghana’s first private art gallery, the LOOM

Mr. Seth Dei—Ghana’s largest collector of contemporary art and whose Dei foundation supports various Ghanaian artists and indigenous high-tech initiatives. He is also a partner at Blue Skies industry, a pre-eminent agro-business based in several countries around the world.

Hon. Fritz Baffour, MP- Chairman of the Museum board

Hon. J.S. Annan (MP)- Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and ex-Minister for Education

Prof, Atukwei Okai- Secretary General of Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and professor of African literature

David Adjaye- principal of Adjaye Associates, a world-leading architecture firm based in London and New York.

Kofi Setordji- reknowned artist and sculptor, co-director of Nubuke Art Gallery”

 

I feel like there were a lot more panelists at the actual event than described above, and I cannot remember Professor Okai being there (but I could be mistaken).

 

A couple of the panelists struck me for diverse reasons. Frances Ademola struck me, because she is a woman artist, the founder of an Art gallery and was credited by many members of the panel as the one who had nurtured their appreciation of Art, yet I had no prior knowledge of the existence of either her or her art gallery. David Adjaye because I have heard so much, and read so much about this award winning Ghanaian British architect yet I had no idea that he even visited Ghana or was in any way active here[2] and finally Kofi Setordjii because he gave a compelling call to action when he spoke.

 

At the end of the evening I was having a drink with one of my artist friends – he’s a photographer, likes to strum the guitar, writes and has an amazing eye for fashion and style.

 

Me: I want to go and check out the Museum of Arts, I had no idea one even existed.

 

Him: Yes, let me know when you want to go and we’ll make a trip of it.

 

Me: I want to see what potential there could be for AWDF to work with the Museum. We want to build an African Women’s Museum but we’re putting that on the backburner for now. Maybe we can fund an exhibition of women artists.

 

Him: [laughing] Which women artists?

 

Me: Yeah, that’s the point isn’t it? I am sure there are women artists everywhere but we don’t know about them. And it depends how you think about art – there is photography, fashion, writing…

 

Him: True. A lot of the time people do not think of photography as art…

Our conversation got me thinking. Who are the African women artists and where are they? I am especially interested in African women artists who use their art as a tool to provoke social consciousness. I started to create a mental list of African women artists that I know are doing this and then I thought, “I should blog about this and ask people to add to the list”. So that’s what I’m doing. My list is only going to comprise of people that I know in some way, and for the sake of brevity I will highlight only 10 African women artists. Either I have read their books, watched them perform, heard them speak, seen a trailer for their movie or engaged with them in some way – even if it’s only been via twitter 🙂

 

Do me a favour and add on to this list in the comments box. Let’s track who the African women artists are, what they do, and where they are.

 

Here’s my list:

 

• Frances Ademola? – I’m a bit confused as to whether to add her to the list. Is she an art gallery owner or an artist? Is the owner of an art gallery also an artist because they have an artistic eye or does an artist always create? AiD’s programme described her as an artist but in googling her I have come across this interview, which quoted her as saying, “I’m the eye of the buyer. It’s a good thing that I’m not an artist”[3]

 

• Nneka – Nigerian/German songstress who sings in English and Pidgin about the need for Africans to take responsibility for the problems we face on the continent (The Uncomfortable Truth), jogs our collective memory on the issues confronting Nigerian society whilst reminding us of the importance of remembering Ken Saro Wiwa and the causes for which the prominent environmental activist died , (Soul is Heavy) and the need for us all to recognize our inherent beauty (Beautiful). Nneka agreed in 2010 to work as an Arts Ambassador for AWDF and I’m really looking forward to exciting collaborations between her and AWDF

 

• Yvonne Chaka Chaka – One of Africa’s most powerful voices who also lends her support to many admirable initiatives. Yvonne Chaka Chaka sits on the AWDF South Africa board, is a member of the African Women Leaders Network for Reproductive Health, serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Malaria and also has her own NGO, The Princess of Africa Foundation. I personally met Yvonne when she attended AWDF’s 10^th anniversary celebrations in November 2010 and I was struck by how nice Yvonne was as a person. Sometimes when you meet huge stars you’re disappointed because they act like divas but Yvonne is niceness personified.

 

• Wanuri Kahiu –I get most of my updates on Wanuri via her twitter handle @wanuri . I have seen the trailer for her film Pumzi and unfortunately missed an opportunity to see the full length film at the last Environmental Film Festival of Accra yet what I have seen of her trailer has been enough to convince me that this is the type of work that organizations like AWDF need to fund if we are going to use the arts as a tool for gender empowerment. In researching Wanuri further I came across her blog and it looks like she is not only nifty with the camera but with words too.

 

• Ama Ata Aidoo – Where do I start from when it comes to this doyenne of African literature? Like many people in Ghana, I first came across Ama Ata Aidoo in secondary school as “Dilemma of a Ghost” and “Anowa” were on our reading list. At university I decided to write my dissertation on the concept of ‘home’ as seen through the works of Ama Ata Aidoo and Buchi Emecheta (another stalwart of African women’s literature). In 2008, I met Auntie Ama face to face and was thrilled to be able to interview her for AWDF’s very first e-newsletter.

 

• Asa – I have been told Asa is my lookalike but that’s not why I have included her on this list 🙂 Recently I’ve heard one of her songs, which touches on the issue of sexual abuse. Please let me know what the title is if you know the song I’m describing – she sings about a young girl who has been abused and somehow the girl’s Father is involved.

 

• Jessica Horn – Jessica is a personal friend, poet and an all round inspiration to me. She’s the author of “Speaking in tongues” and a dynamic member of the African Feminist Forum’s steering committee. Jessica is also a women’s rights consultant focusing on issues of health, women’s rights and social change

 

• Leila Djansi – I first heard of Leila when her film “Sinking Sands” came out. I eventually watched ‘Sinking Sands’ with a friend and immediately afterwards was interviewed by Joy Fm for our perspectives on the film. Although we liked many aspects of the film we both felt that it’s a shame the male lead had what many may perceive as an excuse to be violent to his wife, especially as domestic violence is such an every day occurrence all over the word. Despite this, and upon continued reflection on the film I feel that ‘Sinking Sands’ is an important milestone in the Ghanaian film industry. The lead actress Ama K Abebrese did an amazing job and was well rewarded with an African Movie Award for Best Actress in a lead role. Kudos to Leila for highlighting the issue of domestic violence.

 

• Yaba Badoe – ‘The Witches of Gambaga’ is a powerful documentary, which brings us the real life stories of women condemned to live as witches at the Gambaga camp in Northern Ghana. I first saw this documentary at the 3^rd African Feminist Forum in Dakar, Senegal, and subsequently at its premiere in Ghana. ‘The Witches of Gambaga’ always provokes a variety of reactions in the audience – shock, disbelief that women are accused of witchcraft in this day and age, and a strong desire to change the status quo. It is my hope that this documentary remains a powerful tool for creating a more just world for women and men.

 

So in your opinion where all the African women artists who use their art as a tool for social justice and the empowerment of women?

 

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah

Programme Officer for Fundraising & Communications

AWDF

BURSARY ANNOUNCEMENT

International Workshop on Resource Mobilisation (IWRM)

IWRM Africa 2011 Kampala, Uganda

Don’t miss out – the IWRM Africa is your starting point for fundraising success!

 

29 Nov – 2nd Dec 2011

The International Workshop on Resource Mobilisation (IWRM) Africa will take place in Kampala, Uganda from 29th November to 2nd December 2011. The IWRM Africa is the Resource Alliance’s second African IWRM and is organised in parnership with The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). This 4 day workshop will address the major challenges faced by African NGOs in the areas of financial security and sustainability. The aim of IWRM Africa is to enhance the ability of African non-governmental organisations to mobilise resources for their cause. The Resource Alliance has a 10 year history of organising the IWRM. It is widely recognised as the leading training opportunity to building the fundraising capacity of non-profit organisations in the emerging economics. Host countries have included India, Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa and Kenya.
For more information on the programme and the workshop please email iwrm@resource-alliance.org

AWDF Bursary

AWDF has put in place a small bursary to sponsor a minimum number of existing AWDF grantees to attend the IWRM. The bursary will cover only airfare and local transport for residential and non-residential delegates respectively. Applying Grantees should be ready to cost share and priority will be given to applicants who state this in their application. All successful applicants must be ready to submit a report from the workshop following a set of guidelines to be provided by AWDF. Please note that only one staff per organization will qualify for the bursary.

How to apply for the AWDF Bursary

Organisations applying on behalf of staff members should submit the following documents:

Application letter including the following:

• Name of organisation

• Address (both physical and postal)

• Telephone and Fax number

• Contact person’s name and title

• Applicant’s CV

• A maximum of 2 pages write up explaining how you intend to utilizing skills acquire from the IWRM within your organisation.

• A signed recommendation letter from applicant’s organizations

• A budget

Important information

The selection process will be highly competitive and will adhere strictly to the entry requirements. No application will be reviewed without a signed recommendation letter from applicant’s organisation’s head. Soft copies of your application should be emailed to awdf@africlub.net/awdf Please send both hard and soft copies of your application documents to the following address:

 

The Grants Administrator

78 Ambassadorial Enclave

East Legon, Accra, Ghana

 

PMB CT89 Cantonments

Accra, Ghana

Tel: +233 302 521257

Email: awdf@africlub.net/awdf

 

Please note that the deadline for receiving all applications is August 29, 2011 and that this bursary is open to existing AWDF grantees only

 

WORLD AIDS DAY

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

This is a call for applications for grantees to organise activities on World AIDS Day, which is marked on the 1^st of December. In order for AWDF to consider your request for support in organising World AIDS Day activities, please follow the guidelines below. Please be informed that the maximum amount of grant disbursed is US$1,000. Grantees will be expected to send in a report of your activities and expected impact.

CONTACT INFORMATION

1. Name of Organization
2. Address (Postal and Physical)
3. Telephone and Fax number
4. E-mail address, and World Wide Web address (if any)
5. Contact person’s name and title
6. Who completed this proposal? Please sign and date
7. How did you learn about the African Women’s Development Fund?

ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION

What are your organization’s main goals?

1. a. What are your organization’s main goals?
2. b. When was your organization formed/
3. c. Who started your organization and why?
4. d. Is your organization local, national, sub – regional, or regional?
5. e. Who are the main beneficiaries of your organization’s activities?

Activities and / or programs

1. Describe your organizations present activities and /or programs
2. How does the project you are apply for fit into those plans?

Grant Request Information

1. How much money are you applying for?
2. For what purpose are you seeking a grant for World AIDS Day from the African Women’s Development Fund? Please tell us specifically how this grant will be used
3. Provide a detailed budget for the project, if you have prepared the budget using your local currency; please include the US dollar equivalent.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD NOT EXCEED 4 PAGES

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON FRIDAY, 12TH AUGUST 2011

Applications should be submitted to the following addresses:

The Grants Administrator

The African Women’s Development Fund

Plot 78, Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon

PMB CT 89, Cantonments

Accra, Ghana

Tel/Fax: + 233 302 521257

Email: awdf@africlub.net/awdf; gifty@africlub.net/awdf

Website: www.africlub.net/awdf

 

JOURNEE MONDIALE DE LUTTE CONTRE LE SIDA

CANEVAS DE DEMANDE

AWDF lance un appel de demande de subvention à ses organisations bénéficiaires qui souhaiteraient organiser des activités en vue de commémorer la Journée Mondiale de Lutte contre le SIDA. Dans le but de nous permettre d’étudier vos dossiers nous vous prions de rédiger vos demandes selon le canevas ci-dessous. Veuillez noter que le montant maximum de ces subventions est de 1,000 Dollars US. Il sera demandé aux bénéficiaires de ces subventions d’envoyer à l’AWDF un rapport d’activités et les impacts prévus suite à la réalisation des activités.

CONTACT

1. Nom de l’organisation
2. Adresse (Postale et Physique)
3. Numéros de téléphone et de fax
4. Adresse électronique et du site internet (si possible)
5. Nom et titre de la personne à contacter
6. Qui a rédigé le projet? Veuillez signer et écrire la date
7. Comment avez-vous appris l’existence du Fonds de Développement pour la Femme Africaine?

RENSEIGNEMENTS RELATIFS A L’ORGANISATION

Quel est le but de votre organisation?

1. Quels sont les principaux objectifs de votre organisation?
2. Quand a été formée votre organisation?
3. Qui a formé l’organisation et pour quelles raisons? Donnez-nous brièvement son historique.
4. Votre organisation est-elle locale, nationale, régionale ou sous-régionale?
5. Qui sont les principaux bénéficiaires des activités de votre organisation?
6. Avez-vous déjà bénéficié d’une subvention d’AWDF ? Si oui, précisez

Activités et / ou Programmes

1. Quels sont les principaux domaines d’activités de votre organisation ie droits de la femme, émancipations économique, etc.
2. Décrivez les activités antérieures de votre organisation.
3. Décrivez les activités et/ou programmes actuels de votre organisation.
4. Comment le projet pour lequel vous sollicitez une subvention s’intègre-t-il dans vos activités?

Informations Relatives à la Demande de Subvention

1. Quel montant de la subvention sollicitée?
2. Pour quelle raison sollicitez-vous une subvention du Fonds de Développement pour la Femme Africaine pour la Journée Mondiale de Lutte contre le SIDA? Veuillez préciser comment la subvention sera utilisée.
3. Veuillez fournir un budget détaillé du projet. Au cas où vous utiliserez la monnaie locale pour dresser le budget, veuillez préciser l’équivalent en dollar américain.

Prière de limiter la rédaction de vos demandes à un maximum de quatre (4) pages

Vous pouvez envoyer vos dossiers à l’adresse suivante

The Grants Administrator

The African Women’s Development Fund

Plot 78, Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon

PMB CT 89, Cantonments

Accra, Ghana

Tel: + 233 302 521257

Tel/Fax: + 233 302 521257

Email: awdf@africlub.net/awdf; gifty@africlub.net/awdf

Website: www.africlub.net/awdf

 

 

 

 

 

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

This is a call for application to grantees seeking to organise activities to mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence. In order to consider your request for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence activities, please follow the guidelines below. Please be informed that the maximum amount of grant disbursed per organisation will be US$1,000. Grantees will be expected to send in a report of your activities and expected impact.

CONTACT INFORMATION

1. Name of Organization
2. Address (Postal and Physical)
3. Telephone and Fax number
4. E-mail address, and World Wide Web address (if any)
5. Contact person’s name and title
6. Who completed this proposal? Please sign and date
7. How did you learn about the African Women’s Development Fund?

ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION

What are your organization’s main goals?

1. a. What are your organization’s main goals?
2. b. When was your organization formed/
3. c. Who started your organization and why?
4. d. Is your organization local, national, sub – regional, or regional?
5. e. Who are the main beneficiaries of your organization’s activities?

Activities and / or programs

1. Describe your organizations present activities and /or programs
2. How does the project you are apply for fit into those plans?

Grant Request Information

1. How much money are you applying for?
2. For what purpose are you seeking a grant for 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence from the African Women’s Development Fund? Please tell us specifically how this grant will be used
3. Provide a detailed budget for the project, if you have prepared the budget using your local currency; please include the US dollar equivalent.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD NOT EXCEED 4 PAGES

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON FRIDAY, 12TH AUGUST 2011

 

Applications should be submitted to the following addresses:

 

The Grants Administrator

The African Women’s Development Fund

Plot 78, Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon

PMB CT 89, Cantonments

Accra, Ghana

Tel: + 233 302 521257

Tel/Fax: + 233 302 521257

Email: awdf@africlub.net/awdf; gifty@africlub.net/awdf

Website: www.africlub.net/awdf

 

16 JOURS D’ACTIVISME CONTRE LES VIOLENCES FAITES AUX FEMMES

CANEVAS DE DEMANDE

AWDF lance un appel de demande de subvention à ses organisations bénéficiaires qui souhaiteraient organiser des activités en vue de commémorer la campagne des 16 Jours d’Activisme contre les Violences faites aux Femmes. Dans le but de nous permettre d’étudier vos dossiers nous vous prions de rédiger vos demandes selon le canevas ci-dessous. Veuillez noter que le montant maximum de ces subventions est de 1,000 Dollars US. Il sera demandé aux bénéficiaires de ces subventions d’envoyer à l’AWDF un rapport d’activités et les impacts prévus suite à la réalisation des activités.

CONTACT

1. Nom de l’organisation
2. Adresse (Postale et Physique)
3. Numéros de téléphone et de fax
4. Adresse électronique et du site internet (si possible)
5. Nom et titre de la personne à contacter
6. Qui a rédigé le projet? Veuillez signer et écrire la date
7. Comment avez-vous appris l’existence du Fonds de Développement pour la Femme Africaine?

 

RENSEIGNEMENTS RELATIFS A L’ORGANISATION

Quel est le but de votre organisation?

1. Quels sont les principaux objectifs de votre organisation?
2. Quand a été formée votre organisation?
3. Qui a formé l’organisation et pour quelles raisons? Donnez-nous brièvement son historique.
4. Votre organisation est-elle locale, nationale, régionale ou sous-régionale?
5. Qui sont les principaux bénéficiaires des activités de votre organisation?
6. Avez-vous déjà bénéficié d’une subvention d’AWDF ? Si oui, précisez

Activités et / ou Programmes

1. Quels sont les principaux domaines d’activités de votre organisation ie droits de la femme, émancipations économique, etc.
2. Décrivez les activités antérieures de votre organisation.
3. Décrivez les activités et/ou programmes actuels de votre organisation.
4. Comment le projet pour lequel vous sollicitez une subvention s’intègre-t-il dans vos activités?

Informations Relatives à la Demande de Subvention

1. Quel montant de la subvention sollicitée?
2. Pour quelle raison sollicitez-vous une subvention du Fonds de Développement pour la Femme Africaine pour les 16 jours d’Activisme contre les Violences envers les Femmes ? Veuillez préciser comment la subvention sera utilisée.
3. Veuillez fournir un budget détaillé du projet. Au cas où vous utiliserez la monnaie locale pour dresser le budget, veuillez préciser l’équivalent en dollar américain.

Prière de limiter la rédaction de vos demandes à un maximum de quatre (4) pages

Vous pouvez envoyer vos dossiers à l’adresse suivante

The Grants Administrator

The African Women’s Development Fund

Plot 78, Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon

PMB CT 89, Cantonments

Accra, Ghana

Tel: + 233 302 521257

Tel/Fax: + 233 302 521257

Email: awdf@africlub.net/awdf; gifty@africlub.net/awdf

Website: www.africlub.net/awdf

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Ciugu, (254) 20 271-9832/913

July 11, 2011

equalitynownairobi@equalitynow.org

LIBERIAN JURY DELIVERS “GUILTY” VERDICT ON RUTH BERRY PEAL’S CASE

On 8 July 2011, the case of Ruth Berry Peal, who was forcedly genitally mutilated, rested after one month of hearings. The jury retired to deliberate on the arguments presented by the state prosecutor and the defense lawyers and returned with a verdict of “Guilty”. The judge announced that he will deliver the sentence in five days but before adjourning made references to the Liberian Constitution and article 4(1) of the African Protocol on the Rights of Women which provides for “Every woman shall be entitled to respect for her life and the integrity and security of her person. All forms of exploitation, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment shall be prohibited.”

 

Equality Now and its Liberian partners, the Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET) and Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), welcome the Jury’s declaration and are eager to learn about the final judgment. Una Kumba Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of WOLPNET said, “women look up to the Judiciary for justice and Liberia is obliged under article 8(a) of the Protocol on the Rights of Women to ensure “…. effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid …..”; and so we are very pleased about the support the government provided Ruth Peal in exercising her right to seek justice”.

 

On behalf of Ruth Berry Peal who was forcefully mutilated by two members of the Gola ethnic group, and to complement efforts of local partners to secure justice for her, Equality Now launched an international campaign calling for justice for Ruth and for Liberia to criminalize female genital mutilation (FGM) as is its obligation under Article 5 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, ratified in December 2007 (click here to view the campaign). Faiza Mohamed, Equality Now Nairobi Office Director, stated, “The swiftness in which the Government acted to ensure Ruth has access to justice is exemplary; however it needs to demonstrate leadership in eliminating the practice, including enacting legislation to protect girls and women from this human rights violation.”

 

Upon persistent advocacy from local organizations and Equality Now to ensure that Ruth Berry Peal obtained justice, her case was moved to a neutral location away from the influence of the Gola community that upholds the harmful traditional practice of FGM. The case started in Monrovia last month and concluded on 8 July 2011. The two accused women were both found guilty and await their fate in a judgment that is expected to be delivered this week.

 

Liberia has a very high prevalence rate of FGM. A staggering 58 percent of women and girls have been subjected to FGM, as they are initiated into the Sande society. Equality Now and its partners continue to urge the government of Liberia to take expeditious action to protect girls and women from female genital mutilation, and, to this end, call on the Liberian government to stop issuing permits to the FGM practitioners, to initiate the process towards enactment of a law criminalizing FGM and to invest in public education against the practice.

 

For more information on this campaign visit www.equalitynow.org[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]

POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

Contact: Mary Ciugu, (254) 271-9832 20/913

11 juillet 2011

equalitynownairobi@equalitynow.org

JURY DU LIBERIA DECLARE «COUPABLE» VERDICT SUR LE CAS DE RUTH BERRY PEAL

Le 8 Juillet 2011, le cas de Ruth Berry Peal, qui a été forcée des mutilations sexuelles, a reposé après un mois d’audiences. Le jury s’est retiré pour délibérer sur les arguments présentés par le procureur de la République et les avocats de la défense et revint avec un verdict «coupable». Le juge a annoncé qu’il livrera la phrase en cinq jours, mais avant d’ajourner les références faites à la Constitution et à l’article 4 (1) du Protocole africain sur les droits de la femme qui déclare: «Toute femme libérienne a droit au respect de sa vie, l’intégrité et la sécurité de sa personne. Toutes formes d’exploitation, les peines et traitements cruels, inhumains ou dégradants sont interdites. ”

 

Egalité Maintenant et ses partenaires libériens, Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET) et l’ONG Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), se félicitent de la déclaration du jury et sont désireuses d’apprendre sur le jugement final. Una Kumba Thompson, chef de la direction de WOLPNET dit, “les femmes se tournent vers la magistrature pour la justice et le Libéria est tenu en vertu de l’article 8 (a) du Protocole sur les droits des femmes afin de garantir« …. l’accès effectif des femmes aux services judiciaires et juridiques, y compris l’aide juridique … .. “; et nous sommes très heureuses de l’appui que le gouvernement a fourni à Ruth Peal dans l’exercice de son droit de demander la justice “.

 

Au nom de Ruth Berry Peal qui a été mutilée avec force par deux membres de l’ethnie Gola, et à compléter les efforts des partenaires locaux d’obtenir justice pour elle, Egalité Maintenant a lancé une campagne internationale appelant à la justice pour Ruth et pour le Libéria à criminaliser les mutilsations génitales féminines Féminines (MGF) comme son obligation en vertu de l’article 5 du Protocole à la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples relatif aux droits des femmes en Afrique, ratifié en Décembre 2007 et humaines (cliquer ici pour voir la campagne). Faiza Mohamed, directeur du Bureau de Nairobi d’Egalité Maintenant , a déclaré: «La rapidité dans lequel le gouvernement a agi pour assurer Ruth a accès à la justice est exemplaire; mais il doit faire preuve de leadership dans l’élimination de la pratique, notamment en adoptant des lois pour protéger les filles et les femmes de cette violation des droits de l’homme ».

 

Sur le plaidoyer persistant des organisations locales et Egalité Maintenant pour assurer que Ruth Berry Peal a obtenu la justice, elle a été déplacée dans un endroit neutre loin de l’influence de la communauté Gola qui respecte les pratiques traditionnelles néfastes des MGF. L’affaire a commencé à Monrovia le mois dernier et s’est conclu le 8 Juillet 2011. Les deux femmes accusées ont toutes deux été reconnues coupables et attendent leur sort dans un jugement qui devrait être livré cette semaine.

 

Le Liberia a un taux très élevé de prévalence des MGF. Il est stupéfiant que 58% des femmes et des jeunes filles ont été victimes de MGF, car elles sont initiées à la société Sande. Egalité Maintenant et ses partenaires continuent d’exhorter le gouvernement du Libéria à prendre rapidement des mesures pour protéger les femmes et les filles contre les mutilations génitales féminines, et, à cette fin, appeler le gouvernement libérien à cesser de délivrer des permis aux praticiens de MGF, pour lancer le processus vers la promulgation d’une loi pénalisant les MGF et à investir dans l’éducation publique contre la pratique.

 

Pour plus d’informations sur cette campagne, visitez www.equalitynow.org

Are you currently a recipient of an AWDF grant? Or has your organisation ever recieved a grant for AWDF? If so, please fill the questionnaire in the link below.

AWDF Questionnaire for Financial management Assessment of grantees July 2011

Please email the completed questionnaire to awdf@africlub.net/awdf and grants@africlub.net/awdf

Thank you for your support

 

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]Press Statement

29 June 2011

 

Equatorial Guinea Ratifies the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa

 

The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights coalition (SOAWR), a coalition of 37 organizations based in 21 African countries, congratulates the Republic of Equatorial Guinea on its deposit of its instrument of ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Protocol). The Minister of Gender, Ms. Eulalia Envo Bela, deposited the instrument to the African Union (AU) Commission, represented by Chairperson Jean Ping, on June 29th prior to the 17^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU being held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from 30 June to 1 July 2011.

 

The Protocol was adopted by the Heads of State and Government at the 2nd Ordinary Session of Assembly of the AU in Maputo on July 11, 2003. Equatorial Guinea signed the Protocol in 2005 and has now become the 31st AU member state to ratify this instrument.

 

SOAWR members are pleased to have been given the opportunity to meet with the Minister on the morning of June 29th to advocate for the speedy deposit of the ratification instrument. They, together with Litha Musyimi-Ogana, Director of the AU Women, Gender and Development Directorate, and a representative of Ipas, accompanied the Minister as she deposited the instrument. Sylvie Ndongmo, SOAWR member and Chairperson of African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) stated, “This is a day for celebration for the women of Equatorial Guinea. The government has demonstrated its commitment to promoting and protecting their rights and we hope that the 22 African countries yet to ratify the Protocol will follow its example.” “This ratification is another step in the realization of the objectives of the African Women’s Decade (2010-2020). We urge the government of Equatorial Guinea to allocate adequate resources to ensure women’s full realization of the rights enshrined within the Protocol,” added Brenda Kombo of Equality Now, which serves as the SOAWR Secretariat.

 

SOAWR also calls upon the government of Equatorial Guinea to popularize the Protocol and to establish a process to ensure that the provisions of the Protocol are realized through laws, policies and services promoting and protecting women’s rights in Equatorial Guinea.

 

Coalition Members African Centre for Democracy And Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMWA), Alliances for Africa, Association des Juristes Maliennes (AJM), BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, Cellule de Coordination sur les Pratiques Traditionelle Affectant la Sante des Femmes et des Enfants (CPTAFE), , Centre for Justice Studies and Innovations (CJSI), Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW), Collectif des Associations et ONGS Féminines de Burundi (CAFOB), Eastern Africa Sub-regional Support Initiative (EASSI), Equality Now, FAHAMU, FAMEDEV, Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), Forum Mulher, Girl Child Network (GCN), Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), Inter-African Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices (IAC), Inter- African Network For Women, Media, Gender and Development (FAMEDEV), Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGOGCN), Oxfam GB, People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), Sister Namibia, Strategic Initiative for the Horn of Africa (SIHA), Tomorrow’s Child Initiative (TCI), Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET),Union Nationale des Femmes de Djibouti (UNFD), University of Pretoria Center for Human Rights, Women Direct, Voix de Femmes, Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET), Women and Law Southern Africa (WLSA), Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternatives (WRAPA), Women NGO’s Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Communiqué de presse

29 Juin 2011

La Guinée équatoriale ratifie le Protocole de l’UA sur les droits des femmes en Afrique

La Solidarité pour la coalition de femmes africaines des droits de l’homme (SOAWR), une coalition de 37 organisations dans 21 pays africains, félicite la République de Guinée équatoriale concernant le dépôt de son instrument de ratification du Protocole à la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples sur les les droits des femmes en Afrique. Le Ministre du Genre, Mme Eulalia Envo Bela, a déposé l’instrument de l’Union (UA) à la Commission africaine, représentée par le président Jean Ping, le 29 Juin avant la 17ème session ordinaire de l’Assemblée de l’UA qui se tient à Malabo, Guinée Equatoriale du 30 Juin au 1 Juillet de 2011.

 

Le Protocole a été adopté par les chefs d’État et de gouvernement lors de la 2ème session ordinaire de l’Assemblée de l’UA à Maputo le 11 Juillet 2003. La Guinée équatoriale a signé le Protocole en 2005 et est devenue le 31 Etat membre de l’UA à ratifier cet instrument.

 

Les membres du SOAWR sont heureux d’avoir eu l’occasion de rencontrer le ministre, le matin du 29 Juin pour plaider pour le dépôt rapide de l’instrument de ratification. Litha Musyimi-Ogana, directrice des femmes, Genre et développement à l’UA, et un représentant de l’Ipas, accompagnés du ministre ont déposé l’instrument. Sylvie Ndongmo, membre de SOAWR et présidente du Développement et de la Communication Réseau des femmes africaines (FEMNET) a déclaré: “Ceci est un jour de fête pour les femmes de la Guinée équatoriale. Le gouvernement a démontré son engagement à promouvoir et à protéger leurs droits et nous espérons que les 22 pays africains qui n’ont pas encore ratifié le Protocole suivront son exemple. “” Cette ratification est une autre étape dans la réalisation des objectifs de la Décennie de la Femme Africaine (2010 -2020). Nous exhortons le gouvernement de la Guinée équatoriale à allouer des ressources suffisantes pour assurer la pleine réalisation des droits énoncés dans le Protocole des femmes », a ajouté Brenda Kombo de Equality Now, qui sert le Secrétariat SOAWR.

 

SOAWR appelle également le gouvernement de la Guinée équatoriale à populariser le Protocole et d’établir un processus pour assurer que les dispositions du protocole sont réalisées par des lois, des politiques et des services de promotion et de protection des droits des femmes en Guinée équatoriale.

 

Membres de la coalition

African Centre for Democracy And Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMWA), Alliances for Africa, Association des Juristes Maliennes (AJM), BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, Cellule de Coordination sur les Pratiques Traditionelle Affectant la Sante des Femmes et des Enfants (CPTAFE), , Centre for Justice Studies and Innovations (CJSI), Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW), Collectif des Associations et ONGS Féminines de Burundi (CAFOB), Eastern Africa Sub-regional Support Initiative (EASSI), Equality Now, FAHAMU, FAMEDEV, Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), Forum Mulher, Girl Child Network (GCN), Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), Inter-African Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices (IAC), Inter- African Network For Women, Media, Gender and Development (FAMEDEV), Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGOGCN), Oxfam GB, People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), Sister Namibia, Strategic Initiative for the Horn of Africa (SIHA), Tomorrow’s Child Initiative (TCI), Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET),Union Nationale des Femmes de Djibouti (UNFD), University of Pretoria Center for Human Rights, Women Direct, Voix de Femmes, Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET), Women and Law Southern Africa (WLSA), Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternatives (WRAPA), Women NGO’s Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)[/tp]

 

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 individual. She wears many hats (and wears them with elegance). Prof Busia is:

• A Professor of Literature at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA
• A critically acclaimed poet
• Co-director of “Women Writing Africa” – which has been described as a cultural restoration and publishing project which hopes to restore African Women’s voices to the public sphere
• A feminist activist – she has been involved with AWDF since its inception and currently sits on the AWDF USA board
• An inspiration and mentor to many young women including myself

If you are in Accra on the 29th of June make it a point to attend ‘Celebrating Abena Busia: Works and Achievements’ at the National Theatre. Its a free event! Further details in poster below

 

By: Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah

Communications Officer,

AWDF