Category: Blog

“Back then, I was a small girl and they took us to older girls who had undergone FGM. They used tricks on me. I  was told I would grow a tail if the clitoris was not removed. I believed them… It turned out to be a very painful ordeal,” Khaltuma, Anti Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) champion in Kenya says recalling  the fear, the pain, the sense of violation. 

According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), the prevalence of FGM in Kenya is 15% among women aged 15-49 years. Horn of Africa institute (HAI) an organisation working in Kenya on Sexual reproductive Health and Rights, Gender and Social Inclusion, Climate Change amongst others has been working with girls and women like Khaltuma through concerted efforts to end FGM. 

To contribute to the eliminate of FGM HAI  is using mutiple strategies to drive change in the community. According to Pascalina Nthamba, Program Manager at HAI the organisation is actively lobbying the Isiolo County government and other stakeholders to develop an Anti-FGM policy and establish a safe house for survivors of FGM and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). “Our formal commitment, to be read on Zero Tolerance Day for Ending FGM 2025, will hold both national and county governments accountable for their efforts in combating FGM,” she said.

Through the POWER project, the organisation is also training women leaders on protecting girls from FGM/C and providing psychosocial support to survivors in schools to aid in their trauma healing process.

As efforts to end FGM continue to evolve  a crucial aspect  of the work at HAI has been the involvement of men and boys. Through this action HAI has trained and commissioned ten community male champions as anti-FGM change agents to support prevention, response, and reporting efforts.

Although work on legal frameworks and lobbying remains central in this  fight, HAI has also fused art with activism offering an innovative approach which deeply resonates with community engagement. “We utilise “Artivism”—employing arts and culture, including dance, skits, and traditional songs to convey sensitive messages to the community and educate them about the negative effects of FGM.”

On this International Day of Zero Tolerance FGM, HAI is sending a message of of urgent action and unwavering hope. FGM is a grave violation of human rights, a brutal practice that inflicts lifelong physical and psychological harm on girls and women. It’s a practice rooted in harmful traditions, but tradition is not an excuse for abuse. We must collectively shatter the silence surrounding FGM and amplify the voices of survivors. My hope lies in the growing global movement of activists, communities, and governments working tirelessly to end this practice. But hope is not enough. We need concrete action: stronger laws, effective enforcement, community-led initiatives, and accessible support services for survivors. Let us move beyond tolerance and embrace a world where every girl is safe, valued, and empowered to reach her full potential.  Let’s make FGM a practice of the past, not the future,’’ Nthamba says.

Some of the key lessons learnt from implementing work on FGM in Kenya include

• FGM is deeply embedded in cultural practices and beliefs. Efforts to address it must be approached with sensitivity and respect for cultural contexts. Understanding the specific reasons behind the practice in each community is crucial for developing effective strategies. Condemnation and judgment are counterproductive; dialogue and collaboration are key.
• Sharing the stories of survivors can be incredibly powerful in changing hearts and minds. When people hear firsthand accounts of the pain and suffering caused by FGM, it can create empathy and motivate action. However, it’s vital to ensure that survivors share their stories on their own terms and with their full consent, and that they receive adequate support.
• While FGM is primarily a practice that affects girls and women, men play a critical role in perpetuating it. Engaging men as allies and advocates in the fight against FGM is essential for achieving lasting change.
• Ending FGM requires a multi-sectoral approach. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders is essential for creating a comprehensive and effective response.
• While the fight against FGM is a long and challenging one, it’s important to celebrate the progress that has been made. Recognizing and celebrating successes can help to maintain momentum and inspire further action.

In order to put an end to the persistence of FGM in the country more support is still needed to accelerate efforts to end FGM. HAI recommends the following:

• More robust data on FGM prevalence, trends, and the effectiveness of different interventions is needed to inform evidence-based strategies.
• Working with communities to establish reporting mechanisms and support and localized referral systems for survivors can help improve law enforcement effectiveness.
• Supporting community-led dialogues and sensitization through chief ‘Barazas’(public meetings) campaigns that address the root causes of FGM and promote positive social norms.
• Supporting advocacy efforts to strengthen policies, advocating for investment in the development and implementation of culturally appropriate alternative rites of passage that celebrate girls’ transition to womanhood without resorting to FGM.
• Providing economic opportunities and education for women and girls can empower them to make their own choices and resist pressure to undergo FGM.
• Sharing best practices and lessons learned between different communities and countries can help accelerate progress to end FGM.
• Implementation, enforcement, strengthen and harmonization of National anti-FGM laws and advocating for county-level laws.
• Capacity Building for Law Enforcement, training police officers, prosecutors, paralegals and judges on FGM-related laws and procedures is essential for effective prosecution of perpetrators.

FGM Awareness Campaign – HAI

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The contents of this article are from Horn of Africa institute (HAI), an AWDF grantee partner working in Kenya supported  under the Leading from South.

Despite progress, FGM remains prevalent in Nigeria, violating the rights of women and girls. A 2023 report by the Spotlight Initiative to End Violence Against Women and Girls states that FGM affects 8% of girls aged 0–14 in Nigeria, highlighting the need for continued action.

FGM persists in southeastern and south-south states like Imo, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Osun. In Cross River, it continues in secrecy. Northern regions, including Fulani, Hausa, Kanuri, and Tiv communities, report lower cases. However, Nigeria remains burdened by FGM due to deep-rooted traditions.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat FGM

The Community Welfare and Social Initiative (CWSI)  has led efforts to eliminate FGM in Nigeria. Over the past three years, CWSI has implemented projects funded by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), such as “Ending FGM/Cutting and Early Marriage,” which successfully influenced communities in Ebonyi and Cross River to abandon the practice. The Ekajuk Kingdom in Ogoja even enacted customary laws banning FGM.

While CWSI no longer runs an exclusive FGM project, it integrates anti-FGM campaigns into broader programs addressing gender-based violence, human trafficking, and human rights. The inclusion of FGM bans in the customary laws of Obanliku is a testament to this effort. CWSI is also training community advocates to sustain change.

Key Lessons Learned

Through years of engagement and advocacy CWSI has gained valuable insights into the fight against FGM. Their experiences  working in and through communities  has shown them that: 

1. Engaging communities fosters acceptance and abandonment of FGM.
2. Customary laws help regulate behavior and sustain change.
3. Empowering women and girls strengthens advocacy efforts.
4. Successful interventions must be scaled and replicated.

Accelerating Efforts to End FGM

To accelerate progress, CWSI emphasizes:

• Community education on FGM’s harmful effects
• Policy reforms with support from older generations
• Grassroots funding for women-led organizations
• Alternative rites of passage to replace FGM

The fight against FGM continues, but progress made by organizations like CWSI offers hope. By amplifying survivors’ voices, empowering communities, and advocating policy changes, we can work toward a future free from FGM. Let’s renew our commitment to ending this practice.

Sources:

• UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org 
• Spotlight Initiative: https://www.spotlightinitiative.org

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The contents of this article are from Community Welfare and Social Initiative (CWSI) , an AWDF grantee partner in Nigeria supported under the Leading from South initiative. 

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is gradually declining in Uganda, credit to coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. The country has been particularly focusing on addressing Labia Minora Elongation (LME), a harmful practice targeting girls aged 8-14 that is deeply rooted in cultural misconceptions.

These practices persist due to harmful myths suggesting that labia elongation provides benefits such as reduced birth pain, protection from HIV, prevention of rape, and increased marriageability. State Minister of Gender and Culture, Peace Regis Mutuuzo, has been instrumental in challenging these beliefs, emphasizing that girls are sent to schools to be empowered, not prepared for early marriage.

Recognising the complex nature of FGM, Kitabu Integrated Development Association (KIDA) has developed a multifaceted approach to combat these harmful practices. Their strategy centers on comprehensive education, empowerment, and advocacy. They conduct mobile health camps in schools and villages, explaining the health impacts of Labia Minora Elongation (LME) and other forms of female genital modification.

The organization creates safe spaces for young girls, training peer educators and survivor movements to share their stories. By reducing the shame associated with rejecting LME, they help girls understand their human rights and the physical, sexual, and psychosocial problems associated with these practices. Their work extends to sensitization workshops targeting religious and traditional leaders, challenging the cultural sensitivity surrounding LME.

Critically, the organisation involves men and boys in their campaigns, addressing the misconception that such practices enhance sexual pleasure. Through radio and television talk shows, they increase public awareness about FGM and its consequences. They also educate healthcare workers about the physical and psychosocial impacts, helping to reduce discrimination and marginalization of affected girls.

Key Learnings and Insights

The most profound lesson learnt by KIDA is thathat FGM affects entire communities, not just individual girls. Young women often practice these harmful traditions due to cultural norms, peer pressure, and expectations from parents and schools. The solution requires a collective approach involving girls, boys, men, women, survivors, stakeholders, communities, and organizations working together to dismantle harmful norms.

Support Needed to Accelerate Change

With only six years remaining to meet the 2030 target of eliminating FGM, urgent support is crucial. KIDA calls for increased investment in grassroots organisations working directly with communities that practice FGM. Collaboration between government, non-governmental organizations, and community members is essential.

On International Day of Zero Tolerance against FGM, KIDA shares “to every young girl, your body is yours alone. You have the right to make choices, to be beautiful and valuable just as you are, and to seek help and support when needed.” 

The path to ending FGM is through education, empowerment, and collective action.

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The contents of this article are from KIDA, an AWDF grantee partner in Uganda.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a grave issue affecting millions of women and girls worldwide, particularly in Sierra Leone, where the practice is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Despite its severe physical and psychological consequences, FGM/C persists due to societal pressures and a lack of legal protection. On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Women’s Action for Human Dignity – Sierra Leone (WAHD-SL) reaffirms their commitment to eliminating this harmful practice through advocacy, education, and community-driven initiatives.

The Reality of FGM in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone lacks a specific law criminalizing FGM, leaving countless women and girls exposed to the risk of this practice. A temporary ban was imposed in 2014 due to the Ebola crisis but was later lifted. The practice remains widespread, especially in the northern regions, where it is upheld by social norms. According to the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 95.5% of affected women undergo FGM at the hands of traditional practitioners. The absence of legal frameworks and government intervention has created a critical gap in protection (UNICEF, 2023).

WAHD-SL Strategy to End FGM

WAHD-SL is actively working to combat FGM through its flagship project, In Her Shoes, funded by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). This initiative aims to shift social norms and empower communities to abandon harmful practices. The projects core activities include:

• Educational Workshops and Advocacy Forums: Partnering with women-led organizations, civil society groups, and community leaders to amplify awareness and enhance advocacy efforts.
• Engagement with Traditional Practitioners (Soweis): Forming Soweis’ Associations to help practitioners transition to alternative means of livelihood.
• Community-Led Dialogue Sessions: Hosting discussions with ‘positive deviants’—individuals who have rejected harmful traditions—to share experiences and propose solutions.
• Training and Capacity Building Initiatives: Providing healthcare workers, traditional birth attendants, and youth advocates with knowledge and skills to promote alternative rites of passage and safeguard girls’ rights.
• Collaboration with Religious and Traditional Leaders: Empowering influential figures to champion women’s rights and advocate for legal reforms.

Transforming Communities: Key Achievements and Challenges

WAHD-SL’s initiatives have significantly increased public awareness, strengthened community engagement, and fueled a growing movement against FGM. Key lessons from this work include:

• The active involvement of community and religious leaders is crucial for dismantling long-standing traditions.
• Offering alternative economic opportunities to traditional practitioners helps reduce their reliance on FGM as a source of income.
• Youth participation is essential for ensuring generational change and sustaining advocacy efforts.
• Continuous legal advocacy is necessary to push for national legislation banning FGM.

Despite these successes, challenges persist. Cultural resistance and a lack of political will continue to slow progress. However, through sustained education, advocacy, and policy reforms, the structures that perpetuate FGM can be dismantled.

A United Call for Action

On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, WAHD-SL calls on governments, civil society, and international organizations to strengthen efforts against this human rights violation. To accelerate progress, we advocate for:

• Legislative Action and Policy Reforms: Governments must enact and enforce laws that criminalize FGM.
• Sustained Funding for Grassroots Initiatives: Increased financial support is needed to sustain awareness campaigns and community-based interventions.
• Strategic Partnerships with Traditional and Religious Leaders: Engaging influential figures can help transform societal attitudes towards FGM.
• Comprehensive Awareness and Advocacy Programs: Providing resources and training for women, girls, and communities is vital to fostering long-term change.

Together, we can create a world where women and girls are free from the dangers of FGM. 

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References and Further Reading:

• UNICEF on FGM
• World Health Organization: Female Genital Mutilation

The contents of this article are from Women’s Action for Human Dignity – Sierra Leone (WAHD-SL), an AWDF grantee partner Sierra Leone supported under the Leading from South initiative.

In October 2024, the death of 18 year old Napala Nangiro in Uganda, was reported by UNFPA. She tragically lost her life during childbirth due to complications related of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Not long before then, in August 2024, the death of another teenage girl following a circumcision operation in a private hospital in Egypt had also been reported in the news. Again, earlier in the year a DW report had revealed the death of three young girls in Sierra Leone – aged 12, 13, and 17, allegedly due to FGM complications. These are more than just isolated news reports and occurrences, these deaths are not just a tragedy; they are a stark reminder of what happens when we fail to adequately support and resource the fight against this harmful practice. Through our work and research, we know these documented cases represent only a fraction of the true toll, which is countless other deaths and complications that go undocumented. 

Today, as we mark the International day of Zero Tolerance against FGM, the stakes could not be higher. According to the UNICEF 2024 data, over 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM, with Africa accounting for 144 million – almost half of the total number. Without accelerated action, 68 million more girls worldwide face this risk of FGM by 2030 making this more African girls at risk. Behind these statistics are daughters, sisters and humans whose bodies, futures and lives hang in the balance.

Across Africa, the legal landscape for protecting girls from FGM reveals a troubling pattern of gaps between legislation and implementation. Guided by the Maputo Protoccol on the rights of women in Africa, majority of African countries have passed legislations to criminalise FGM, however, implementation and progress remain slow. The landscape is increasingly complex, especially with the emergence and rise of anti-rights movements in Africa. The Gambia, for example witnessed a troubling development in 2024 when members of parliament proposed legislation to reverse the country’s 2015 ban on FGM. This attempt, though ultimately unsuccessful, revealed the fragility of progress and the persistent influence of those who seek to maintain this harmful practice under the guise of cultural and religious preservation. 

In Mali, despite a prevalence rate of approximately 89% among women aged 15 to 49, efforts to enact anti-FGM laws have stalled due to resistance from religious and traditional leaders. While Chad has incorporated FGM prohibition into its Penal Code, the law’s effectiveness is undermined by vague definitions and unclear enforcement mechanisms. This pattern repeats across the continent: some countries have strong laws that go unenforced, others have ambiguous legislation that proves difficult to implement, and still others have no legal protections at all. The result is devastating, leaving millions of girls vulnerable to FGM despite decades of advocacy for their protection. When anti-FGM laws exist merely on paper, or are non existent, perpetrators act with impunity while girls pay the price with their bodies and lives. 

Despite severe constraints, African feminist and women led organisations are spearheading a revolutionary approach to ending FGM, achieving remarkable success despite severe resource constraints. The evidence is compelling, when African women lead anti-FGM initiatives, they consistently deliver transformative results. In The Gambia, feminists and women’s rights organisations demonstrated their power when they successfully countered attempts to repeal anti-FGM legislation through strategic community mobilisation and effective engagement with lawmakers, protecting countless girls from harm. Kenya’s journey showcases the impact of persistent advocacy, culminating in the landmark 2011 Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act. This achievement was further strengthened by the pioneering 2016 East African Community Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Bill, marking the first regional approach to addressing cross-border FGM. 

Across countries and communities, AWDF grantee partners exemplify these results through their informed interventions. The Kitabu Integrated Development Association in Uganda is breaking new ground by empowering young girls to resist labia minora elongation practices while promoting positive body image and self-esteem, ensuring a future where girls are free from harmful traditional practices. In Benin, the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) implements comprehensive anti-FGM programs that combine survivor support, legal advocacy, healthcare worker training, and community education, with a current focus on incorporating FGM awareness into school curricula. Similarly, REPSFECO’s innovative “Touche pas mon sexe” project addresses vaginal lip stretching through community dialogues and leadership training for girls across six districts. 

In Nigeria, the advocacy efforts of Centre for Women Studies and Interventions in Ebonyi and Cross River States led to positive behavioural change and the establishment of a customary law against FGM in Ekajuk Kingdom of the Ogoja Local Government Area. In Sierra Leone, despite the lack of specific law criminising FGM, Women Action for Gender Equality and Women’s Action for Human Diginity continue intervention in rural communities through advocacy, trainings and community initiatives to inspire positive change. African feminists and women-led organisations across the continent are employing a multi-faceted approach encompassing grassroots organizing, educational workshops, legislative advocacy, and strategic funding initiatives. 

These successes, among the many wins and progresses led by African feminists and women are even more remarkable given a devastating reality. According to the 2023 Where is the Money for Black Feminist Movements report by the Black feminist Fund 5% of human rights funding and about 0.1% – 0.35% of global foundation giving went to Black women, girls and trans people. 

Over the past 25 years, AWDF has witnessed the transformative impact of supporting feminist and women led organisations and movements fighting FGM across the continent. We stand in solidarity with them and the women and girls who have survived FGM in Africa and across the world. The value and power of feminist and women led funding and interventions cannot be overemphasised. So we reaffirm our commitment to resourcing  and supporting movements, women’s rights organisations,, feminist organisations, collectives and activists to accelerate progress in ending FGM. The price of inaction is heavy, the time to fully resource African feminists and women to eliminate FGM and all other forms of violence is now.

The solution is clear. We must:

• Scale up flexible, multi-year funding for African women and feminist led anti-FGM initiatives. 
• Fund comprehensive approaches that address FGM within broader gender justice work. 
• Support African research and knowledge creation on prevention and social change strategies. 
• Resource survivor and community led advocacy practices. 

As we move forward, we must understand and accept that stopping FGM requires more than a commemoration day. This year’s theme Stepping up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM emphasises the need to double efforts and push for more long term strategic funding of feminist movements and women’s rights organisations. The way to zero tolerance for FGM is through the heart of African communities led by African women, girls and feminists.

To our donors and funding partners, the time for token support must end with all of us. African feminists and women’s organisations have proven their effectiveness with minimal resources. Just imagine what they could do with adequate and sustained funding.

To African governments, match strong legislation with robust implementation and community engagement. The success stories in your own countries show what is possible when political will meets grassroots action. Your support for feminists and women’s organisations must go beyond policy to include substantial and sustained action and resourcing. 

Girls do not have to die from the persistence of this harmful practice. Their futures should not be stolen by FGM and our collective failure to adequately resource those fighting to end this practice. Let this International Day of Zero Tolerance and days to follow mark the moment when rhetoric finally matches resourcing, commitment and action. 

In 2025, FGM remains a persistent practice in The Gambia, despite being banned since 2015. The parliamentary debate over the anti-FGM law in 2024 highlighted the ongoing challenges. When a private member’s bill sought to repeal the existing law, 30 out of 65 members of parliament voted to maintain the anti-FGM law in the country.  

The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children has been at the forefront of combating FGM through a multifaceted approach. Their three-decade-long efforts focus on culturally sensitive strategies that challenge harmful practices while respecting community dynamics. Key initiatives include community-based surveillance, where regional coordinators monitor and prevent FGM cases. In a recent success, five out of eight girls were saved from undergoing FGM in the Central River Region.

Dr. Isatou Touray, Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP powerfully states, “The fight against FGM is not just the responsibility of women, it requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including men, policymakers, traditional leaders, and the global community.” The organisation employs comprehensive strategies such as engaging traditional and religious leaders, empowering youth and men as allies, and providing alternative employment for ex-circumcisers. Their work extends beyond immediate intervention to systemic change through policy advocacy and rights education

Key Learnings and Insights

A key lesson for GAMCOTRAP in their efforts to end the persistence of FGM in Gambia is that sustainable change requires holistic community involvement. When women and girls understand their rights and the risks associated with FGM, they become powerful agents of change. The approach combines legal frameworks, social mobilization, and economic empowerment to create lasting impact.

Notably, the fight against FGM is no longer seen as solely a women’s issue. Men, youth, and community leaders are increasingly recognised as crucial allies in challenging harmful traditions while respecting cultural values.

Support Needed to Accelerate Change

To accelerate FGM elimination, a coordinated approach is essential. This includes:

• Systematic engagement of community structures
• Survivor-led programs challenging gender norms
• Increased funding for grassroots organizations
• Sustainable financial support for prevention programs

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The contents of this article are from GAMCOTRAP, an AWDF grantee partner in The Gambia, supported  under the Komboa Initiative

On this #WorldAIDSDay , we shine a spotlight on the women leading the fight against HIV. In partnership with the Leading from the South (LFS) consortium, we stand in solidarity with African women-led organizations like the Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (COWLHA), the African Girls Empowerment Network (AGEN), and the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA), who are at the forefront of tackling the HIV epidemic in Africa. These women—activists, community leaders, and advocates—are driving change and offering transformative solutions to the HIV crisis. They are not only fighting the virus but also challenging the stigma and discrimination that often accompanies it. Their leadership is proof that grassroots, women-led initiatives are essential in the global response to HIV/AIDS.

 

Leading from the South (LFS) is a feminist, South-South global consortium designed and managed by four prominent women’s funds: the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Fondo de Mujeres del Sur, FIMI – International Indigenous Women’s Forum, and Women’s Fund Asia. Together, these organizations amplify the voices of women from the Global South, ensuring that they are central to global conversations and actions around HIV/AIDS. Their collective efforts are helping to shape policies, raise awareness, and build local capacity to address the HIV epidemic in ways that are sensitive to the realities and needs of women in the Global South.

The leadership and expertise of these women are vital in the fight against HIV, and it is crucial that we continue to support and elevate their work. By amplifying local voices and empowering women to take charge of their health, we can work towards a world free from HIV, discrimination, and inequality.

Let’s unite in this effort, strengthen our solidarity, and continue to take action together.

By Jodi Williams

Revolutionary hope has a longstanding history in African Feminist movements. A political practice that presents us with alternative possibilities to not become dismayed or desensitised by pervasive injustice, mass suffering and continued cycles of violence. African Feminists have long understood revolutionary hope to be an incredibly radical and transformative political principle that is strongly rooted in our deep love for justice, equity and collective liberation. 

Revolutionary hope helps us visualise a future where African women, girls and Queer communities are free, safe, self-reliant and lay full claim on our land, bodies, knowledge, and autonomy. Revolutionary hope is a life-sustaining force and spiritual practice that anchors our movements as we challenge systemic oppression and create new possibilities for justice, dignity and freedom. 

It is within this context that 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence can simply not just be a calendar event. Rather, it is a call to action for fierce resistance against systems of patriarchy, imperialism and exploitation that continue to perpetuate violence against women, girls and Queer communities in Africa. 

For African Feminists, 16 days forms part of a much larger ongoing struggle for collective liberation. This year’s theme “No Excuse – Unite to End Violence Against Women” serves as a clarion call to pause, reflect, gain clarity on politics and renew our commitment in the fight for justice. A much needed reminder to lean into revolutionary hope to reimagine and build a world free from violence and injustice.

As mentioned by Rosebell Kagumire in The Makings of Revolutionary Hope, How does one hope when genocide, ethnic cleansing, divide and decimate is the order of the day? How does one hope when the system constantly tests one’s humanity? These questions ring true, especially in Africa, where we see several crises unfolding around us coupled with the widespread normalisation of suffering of African peoples under dehumanising systems of brutality. 

Gender-based violence (GBV) is deeply woven into our social fabric and reinforced by systems of power and control that we have inherited from our violent colonial past. The violence we see – whether physical, sexual, psychological, economic and cultural – is a direct consequence of a world order that devalues the lives, safety and inherent humanity of women, girls and queer communities, particularly black and brown marginalised communities. 

African feminists understand gender-based violence (GBV) to be an intersecting issue that stretches across cultural, political, and economic structures. A system that normalises sexual violence as a tool of terror and dehumanisation (like in the case of rape being used as a weapon of war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). A system that denies women, children, and gender-diverse populations their bodily autonomy by normalising destructive practices including child marriage, forced marriages, and genital mutilation. A system of interconnected oppressive structures that African feminists seek to dismantle.

To trace the footprints of revolutionary hope in African Feminist Movements is to encounter many powerful examples of feminists who have remained steadfast in their pursuit of freedom. One such example from my own history is that of the homecoming of Sarah Baartman. Sarah Baartman was a Khoikhoi woman who was enslaved and taken from South Africa in the early 1800s to be exhibited in “human zoos” in Europe. Sarah was objectified and gawked at in inhumane and dehumanising ways. When she died, her remains were displayed in a Paris museum until 1985. 

In 2002, after years of advocacy by African Feminists, Sarah Baartman’s remains were returned to South Africa and laid to rest in accordance with traditional customs. Sarah Baartman’s posthumous homecoming to a post-Apartheid society stands as a symbol of the struggle against racism, colonialism and gender-based violence across the continent. A reminder that there is hope that you will achieve a certain degree of progress – even if it is after death. 

To trace the footprints of revolutionary hope is to encounter many present-day examples of feminists who are at the forefront of challenging deeply ingrained patriarchal violence. The feminists that dare to dream. The feminists that remind us that tasting liberation is possible. The feminists that anchor us in the belief that future generations will reap the fruits of the work we do now.

Revolutionary hope helps to fuel the flames of justice in our movements. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the persistent injustice and violence that surrounds us – that’s exactly what the system intends. But what if, in the face of it all, we lean into community, deepen our solidarity across struggles and lines of privilege, build mutual aid and build collective power? Because a world free from violence and injustice is possible. It is revolutionary hope that reminds us of that. 

Freedom is possible. Dismantling systems of oppression and violence is possible. Revolutionary hope is not passive or docile; it is vigorous, it is powerful, it is embodied and moreover, it is strongly rooted in collective resistance and solidarity. 

Written by: Jodi Williams, Knowledge and Voice Specialist|Nurturing and Community Cluster at the African Women’s Development Fund

On November 25, the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) joins the world in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women commemorated under the theme UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls!  This day which marks the beginning of the Sixteen Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence,  highlights the ongoing global crisis of gender-based violence (GBV), which continues to rise despite progress in advocacy and legal protections. AWDF believes that ending GBV requires more than legal reforms and protective measures—it demands a fundamental shift in societal attitudes toward women’s rights. From West Africa to the Horn of Africa, women-led movements are at the forefront of this struggle, but they need more than support—they need sustained, concrete action.

 

AWDF’s Commitment to Ending Sexual Violence in West Africa

Sexual violence remains a pervasive issue in West Africa. According to a UN Women report (2018), over 60% of women in the region have experienced physical or sexual violence, with many survivors facing barriers to justice due to weak legal frameworks, inadequate support services, and prevailing social norms that condone such violence.

AWDF’s commitment to ending sexual violence focuses on strengthening local responses, bolstering legal protections, and creating safer spaces for survivors. In partnership with the Ford Foundation, OSIWA, and other local organizations, AWDF has launched an initiative to address and prevent sexual violence across West Africa. This initiative strengthens the capacity of women’s rights organizations to provide direct services to survivors, advocate for stronger laws, and shift harmful cultural norms that perpetuate sexual violence.

Through the KASA Initiative, AWDF has supported organizations to train over 300 law enforcement officers and reached 10,000 community members with educational programs on preventing sexual violence. By supporting local actors and leveraging international funding, AWDF is addressing the root causes of sexual violence and ensuring stronger protections for women and girls.

Discover inspiring stories from the AWDF’s KASA program, supporting feminist initiatives across Africa, and a concerning article on the 196 reported cases of rape in Senegal in the first half of 2024, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen efforts against sexual violence.

Learn more about KASA grantee stories
Read an article on sexual violence in Senegal

Strengthening Community Resilience and Feminist Solidarity

Feminist movements across Africa have shown remarkable resilience in the face of growing attacks from anti-rights groups. Through initiatives, we continue to build stronger, more resilient communities that can withstand patriarchal violence.

One of AWDF’s key pillars is solidarity. As global threats to women’s rights increase, the strength of our collective response becomes more critical. Through alliances like the  LFS Fund, we are fostering a culture of mutual support. These networks allow women’s rights organizations, activists, and survivors of violence to come together to heal, strategize, and take collective action.

In Uganda, for example, through the LFS Fund, AWDF has partnered with local women’s organizations to provide legal aid and psychosocial support to survivors of sexual violence. This partnership has enabled over 4,000 survivors to access justice and healing services, and it has helped local communities become more active in combating violence through community dialogues and public education campaigns.

Explore the powerful stories of LFS grantees supporting feminist activism in the Global South, and learn about five more years of funding to sustain and expand these critical movements.

Read the LFS grantee stories

The Growing Threat of Anti-Rights Movements

Across Africa, anti-rights movements are gaining momentum, threatening the rights of women and girls. From Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act to recent rollbacks of sexual and reproductive health rights in Somalia, these regressive movements are a direct challenge to women’s rights. According to the UN Women’s Global Database on ViolenceAgainst Women, one in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with African women facing some of the highest rates of sexual violence.

In Somalia, the repeal of the Sexual Offences Bill exemplifies the dangers posed by these movements. The bill, which sought to criminalize sexual violence, was a significant step forward in women’s rights. Its repeal has not only left women vulnerable to further violence but also highlights the vulnerability of legal protections in the face of regressive political agendas.

The Komboa Consortium, is Inspired by African feminist values of sisterhood, solidarity and mutual aid, the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest (ISDAO), Purposeful, Doria Feminist Fund, and Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), have joined forces and resources to create Komboa (“Liberate” in Swahili) a feminist consortium that supports communities threatened by the rise of anti-rights and anti-gender movements.

Inspired by African feminist values of sisterhood, solidarity and mutual aid, the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest (ISDAO), Purposeful, Doria Feminist Fund, and Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), have joined forces and resources to create Komboa (“Liberate” in Swahili) a feminist consortium that supports communities threatened by the rise of anti-rights and anti-gender movements.

 

The Role of International Advocacy and Accountability

AWDF recognizes that international advocacy is crucial in shaping global norms around gender-based violence. By collaborating with regional and international actors, AWDF plays a critical role in resourcing and nurturing organizations that hold governments accountable for their commitments under international human rights frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol. By providing financial support and capacity-building, AWDF empowers grassroots organizations to advocate for the full implementation of these human rights instruments, ensuring that governments are held responsible for advancing gender equality and women’s rights across the continent.

Through policy dialogues and advocacy campaigns, AWDF continues to pressure governments to ensure stronger legal frameworks that prevent and respond to gender-based violence. For example, after a two-year advocacy campaign led by AWDF and local partners, the Kenyan government passed the Sexual Offenses Act, which provides stronger protections for women and girls, including harsher penalties for sexual violence and clearer guidelines for survivor support.

 

A Call to Action

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, AWDF calls on governments, civil society, and individuals across Africa and beyond to unite in the fight against violence. We urge continued investments in women’s rights organizations, especially those led by women in marginalized communities, and call on each individual to actively participate in ending gender-based violence. Whether through advocacy, education, or direct support for survivors, every action counts.

Let us come together to build a future where women and girls are safe, respected, and able to live free from fear of violence—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

 

Bintou Mariam Traoré, communications Officer

AWDF will be joining researchers, feminists, activists, practitioners and policy makers in the upcoming Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum 2024, taking place from 21-25 October in Cape Town, South Africa. As part of our participation, we have supported 17 partners from across Africa to attend this crucial event, amplifying African feminist voices in the global conversation on ending sexual violence. 

In 2022, AWDF made an impactful appearance at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative which was held in Mexico in September. Among the activities facilitated by AWDF were a partner-led knowledge circle, donor engagement on decolonized and ethical funding, and dialogue for power and control in research and Southern–feminist led forum to showcase the LFS Model. 

This year’s SVRI Forum presents an excellent opportunity for AWDF to showcase our crucial work on sexual violence, particularly our KASA! Initiative. We will be advocating for increased funding and deepening partnerships within the feminist funds and sexual violence funding ecosystem. Additionally, we aim to expand our knowledge and experience regarding evidence-based sexual violence interventions.

Key AWDF and Partner-led Activities at SVRI Forum 2024: 

AWDF and COFEM Poster Presentation

The SVRI poster presentation session is designed to showcase innovative research and programmes, facilitate in-depth discussions, and promote greater interaction between presenters and participants.

• Date: Wednesday, 23 October 2024
• Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
• Venue: Cape Town International Convention Center 2

African Feminist Knowledge Circle

Led by the Knowledge and Voice team,  the African Feminist Knowledge Circles are an  evolving space where African feminists convene to share identities, stories, tools, politics and approaches from their many journeys of challenging the patriarchy. This activity is only open to identified partners and participants. 

Rest & Resistance Workshop

The Solidarity and Care team has over the years learnt the importance of creating an environment and space that is a cocoon for activists to retreat into. For this workshop, the cocoon will be a softly lit room, a curated playlist of black healing music to set the tone for a peaceful and restorative experience. Spaces for this activity are limited. You are urged to attend early for a spot.

• Date: Thursday, 24th October 2024
• Time: 12pm – 1:50pm
• Venue: Cape Town International Convention Center 2

Flourish Retreat

The Retreat will involve three interconnected processes led by the facilitators and the chef. Activists will engage in rituals rooted in indigenous African practices that focus on anchoring, honouring, and connecting to the self, each other, and nature for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. This activity is only open to identified partners and individuals. 

We invite all attendees to connect with us during these sessions and throughout the forum. It is an invaluable opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen our collective efforts in combating violence agains women and gender diverse people and promoting gender equality.

Here is the full programme of the SVRI forum where you will find details of these and other very insightful activities at the forum.

Connect with AWDF online X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow our live updates from the forum using #AWDFatSVRI.