Category: Blog

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]AWDF as part of its investment into its long term sustainability is pleased to announces the availability of premises to rent. Details are as follows:

A five bedroom house located at Plot no. 78, Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon, Accra, Ghana (near Galaxy international school), It has a swimming pool and a standby generator.

Rent is negotiable.

All interested persons should contact Grace Amenyogbeli, Human Resource Manager, via telephone +233-302-521257; or via e-mail: grace@africlub.net/awdf[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]AWDF dans le cadre de son investissement dans sa viabilité à long terme est heureuse d’annonce la disponibilité de locaux à louer. Les détails sont comme suit:

Une maison de cinq chambres situé au Plot no. 78, Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon, Accra, Ghana (près de Galaxy international school), il a une piscine et un générateur de secours.

Le loyer est négociable.

Toutes les personnes intéressées doivent communiquer avec Grace Amenyogbeli, directeur des ressources humaines, par téléphone +233-302-521257; ou par e-mail: grace@africlub.net/awdf [/tp]

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]Podcast with Thokozile Makhanya, Board Member of Biowatch a public interest organization that publicises, monitors and researches issues of genetic modification, and promotes biological diversity and sustainable livelihoods. In this podcast Thoko speaks about the importance of resisting the use of genetically modified organisms, the importance of farmers rights and food sovereignty. Please click link below to listen to the podcast.

Podcast featuring Thokozile Makhanya, Biowatch, South Africa[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Un podcast avec Thokozile Makhanya, membre du conseil de Biowatch une organisation d’intérêt public qui publicise, surveille et analyse les enjeux de la modification génétique, et favorise la diversité biologique et les moyens de subsistance durables. Dans ce podcast Thoko parle de l’importance de résister à l’utilisation d’organismes génétiquement modifiés, l’importance des droits des agriculteurs et la souveraineté alimentaire. Veuillez cliquer sur le lien ci-dessous pour écouter le podcast.

Podcast avec Thokozile Makhanya, Biowatch, Afrique du Sud[/tp]

(Thoko was interviewed by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Communications Specialist, AWDF)

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]On the 7th of March 2013, AWDF in partnership with Alliance Francaise, Accra, and with the kind sponsorship of Printex held a ‘Meet the Writers’ discussion with Mamle Kabu, 2009 Caine Prize Nominee and 2011 Burt Award Winner for Ghana; Kuukua Dzigbordi Yomekpe, Memoirist and Winner of the Marcelle Althaus Reid Award, Boakyewaa Glover, author of Circles, and Mama C, Black Panther Activist, Performance Artist and poet.

This forum was an opportunity for the public to meet writers up close and personal, learn more about the intricacies of writing and the publishing industry. Pictures of the event may be viewed by clicking here . To listen to a podcast of the event please click the links below.[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Le 7 Mars 2013, AWDF en partenariat avec Alliance Française Accra, et avec le parrainage de Printex, a eu une discussion ‘Rencontrez les auteures ‘avec Mamle Kabu, Nominé Prix Caine 2009 et Burt Award Winner en 2011 pour le Ghana; Kuukua Dzigbordi Yomekpe, mémorialiste et lauréat du Prix Marcelle Althaus Reid, Boakyewaa Glover, auteur de Circles, et Mama C, militante Black Panther, Performeuse et poète.

Ce forum a été l’occasion pour le public de rencontrer des écrivains de près et le personnel, en savoir plus sur les subtilités de l’écriture et de l’industrie de l’édition. Les photos de l’événement peuvent être consultées en cliquant ici. Pour écouter un podcast de l’événement veuillez cliquer sur les liens ci-dessous.[/tp]

Meet the Writers panel 1

Meet the Writers panel 2

Meet the Writers panel 3

Meet the Writers panel 4

Meet the Writers panel 5

Meet the Writers panel 6

Meet the Writers panel 7

Meet the Writers panel 8

Meet the Writers panel 9

Meet the Writers panel 10

Meet the Writers panel 11

Meet the Writers panel 12

Meet the Writers panel 13

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]I am excited that Yari Yari Ntoaso, an international conference focusing on African women writers is coming to Ghana from the 16th-19th May. Our very own Ama Ata Aidoo is one of the founding members of this initiative and the conference will bring together numerous inspirational women writers of African descent. Women like Angela Davis and Carole Boyce Davis who helped shape my thinking around the intersection of race and gender. Nnedi Okorafor, whose book is currently in the pile of ‘books to read’ on my bedside table. Bibi Bakare-Yusuf who started the Cassava Republic Press, and who I had the privilege of interviewing for ‘Women Leading Africa‘.

I am honoured that I have been invited to speak on a panel about ‘Writing Sexuality’. The entire Yari Yari programme is FREE and the general public are invited to attend, participate and learn from all the resource people who will be there.

Click links below for the full programme and press release

YYN DRAFT Schedule YYN GHANAPress Release[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Je suis heureuse que Yari Yari Ntoaso, une conférence internationale axée sur les femmes écrivains africaines se tienne au Ghana du 16 au 19 mai. Notre chère Ama Ata Aidoo est l’un des membres fondateurs de cette initiative et la conférence rassemblera de nombreuses femmes écrivains inspirantes d’origine africaine. Des femmes comme Angela Davis et Carole Boyce Davis, qui ont contribué à façonner ma pensée autour de l’intersection de la race et du sexe. Nnedi Okorafor, dont le livre est actuellement dans la pile des «livres à lire» sur ma table de chevet. Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, qui a commencé la Cassava Republic Press, et que j’ai eu le privilège d’interviewer pour ‘Women Leading Africa‘.

Je suis honorée d’avoir été invitée à prendre la parole lors d’une discussion sur “Ecrire la Sexualité”. L’ensemble du programme Yari Yari est libre et le grand public est invité à y assister, à participer et apprendre de toutes les personnes ressources qui seront là.

Cliquez ci-dessous pour le liens programme complet et communiqué de presse

YYN DRAFT Schedule YYN GHANAPress Release[/tp]

Last Saturday, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo celebrated her birthday. This occasion reminded me of how overjoyed I was when I first met her . The year was 2008, I had recently started working for the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), and one day Ama Ata Aidoo (as she is popularly called) dropped by the office. I was beyond excited. I mean, Ama Ata Aidoo is the rockstar of African women writers. I had read ‘Anowa’ in secondary school, acted the role of the slave girl in ‘Dilemma of a Ghost’ whilst in college, and my first degree dissertation had been on ‘The concept of home in the novels of Ama Ata Aidoo and Buchi Emecheta’. Ama Ata Aidoo’s influence on my life went beyond my education. When my friend Alberta Stevens and I started ‘Southern Narrative’, a global dimensions education project in London, we named our first project ‘The Anowa Project’ to pay homage to the inspiring African women we had trained to run workshops in schools in South London dealing with the very challenging issues of identity, race and diversity. So after all these years of reading Ama Ata Aidoo’s novels you can imagine that I was in groupie heaven when I meet her at my place of work.

The best thing about meeting Ama Ata Aidoo has been that she is as inspiring in real life as she is in her books. I recall interviewing the Professor at Mbaasem (Mbaasem translates from Akan as Women’s Affairs), the foundation she established to promote African women writers and we chatted for 2 hours. She was full of insights about African women writers, social development and shared insights on the challenges of combining writing with social change work. This interview was featured in ‘Women Leading Africa: Conversations with Inspirational African Women‘.

I asked a number of friends and colleagues to share their thoughts about the good Professor.

Amina Doherty, coordinator of FRIDA, painter and HE(ART)IST said:

“I love Ama Ata Aidoo! Not simply because she reminded me when I needed to hear it that I too, could be a girl who could, but because she was responsible for introducing me to “love'” in African literature. She took this idea of ‘the revolutionary power of love’ out of critical theory and feminist academia and put it into short stories and tales that I could relate to. In the introduction to the collection: ‘African Love Stories‘ she says: “If we insist, as some of us do, that love is about the human condition, then there is hardly any aspect of women’s loves which [love] stories do not touch…the human heart is all out there in these stories: beleaguered and bleeding, or bold and occassionaly triumphant.” Aidoo’s words and her effort to highlight love as a central aspect of our lives reminds me of how important it is to document African love stories as a means of better understanding who we are, and how we live – as Africans, as people. She highlights the fact that the stories we often hear and read about Africa are the ones deemed to be ‘more important’ because they are of social and political significance, but that all of those ‘very important things’ must be based in love. Our Space is indeed ‘Love‘. “

Beatrice Boakye-Yiadom, Grants Manager of AWDF had this to share:

“I read Ama Ata Aidoo’s ‘Dilemma of a Ghost’ in round about 1981 but the lessons from the story has stayed with me all these years. I still remember
the determination, independence, hopefulness, and assertiveness of Eulalie. I remember the ghost who did not know whether to go to Elmina or to go to
Cape coast a situation that most of us very often get into and are not too good at making the right choices. I remember Ama Ata Aidoo’s dexterity in
“brofulising” English words. My favourite proverb from that book which has stayed with me all these years is “The corn that will burn shall burn whether roasted or boiled” and my thoughts have always been that if God does give me the care or custody of a corn that is destined to burn, I strongly believe that I have the power to turn its fortunes around and force it to realign its destiny for the betterment of society. It is possible to do that.

I also like the short stories “The Girl Who Can and Other Stories” which I read in 2010 I think. I like the assertiveness and independence of most of the women characters, I like the fact that most of them were “no nonsense” characters and I like the general liberal atmosphere most of the women find themselves in those stories.

All in all I will read Ama Ata Aidoo any day. I think she is a marvelous writer, very witty and is able to bring our culture to bear in her writings
to such an extent that even people who are not familiar with the culture are able to appreciate it.

I think I will go back and read all these books again so I can savour them all over again. I still have all those books from my days in school.

Auntie Ama you have adequately paid your dues”

Minna Salami, the award winning writer and blogger behind Ms Afropolian had this to say:

“There’s an interview in Meridians where Aidoo speaks about something I seldom see addressed, namely creating spaces (clubs, she calls it) for women who ‘just want to sit, have a drink, nibble at something and talk about nothing to other women’, a club where we can ‘refuse to be nothing or to be everything’.
Among the many contributions of hers that make my world that bit more enriched, those particular words remind me of how independent and gracious her mind is.”

What are your memories of Ama Ata Aidoo? What does her writing mean to you? Share your thoughts and indeed your well wishes for her via the comments box below

By: Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah

Communications Specialist, AWDF

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]Franka Maria Andoh wrote a special piece entitled ‘I’ve got Time’ for the International Women’s Day book slam organised by the African Women’s Development (AWDF) and Alliance Francaise (Accra. Her shot story had the audience in hysterics. Watch the footage of Franka’s reading below.[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Franka Maria Andoh a écrit une pièce spéciale intitulée «J’ai le Temps» pour l’International Women’s Day book slam organisé par le Fonds Africain de Développement de la Femmes (AWDF) et l’Alliance Française Accra. Son histoire avait déclenché l’hystérie dans le public. Regardez les images de la lecture de Franka ci-dessous.[/tp]

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]Franka is an entrepreneur, editor, writer and the owner of a popular coffee shop, Josie’s Cuppa Cappuccino in Accra, Ghana.

After a long period of not writing, Franka got back into the writing groove after being selected to partake in the British Council’s Crossing Borders programme for African writers. Her short story Mansa has been published in the Caine Prize for African Writing 2009 edition. In 2011 her two children’s stories Koku the Cockerel and Dokono the Donkey; two exciting tales set in Accra were well received both locally and abroad. Franka is the founder and Editor in Chief of an annual magazine for women entrepreneurs called AWE.[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Franka est une entrepreneuse, éditrice, écrivaine et la propriétaire d’un café populaire, Josie’s Cuppa Cappuccino à Accra, au Ghana.

Après une longue période sans écrire, Franka est rentré dans le mouvement de l’écriture après avoir été sélectionnée pour participer au programme Crossing Borders du British Council pour les écrivains africains. Sa courte histoire Mansa a été publiée pour le Prix Caine pour l’édition africaine d’écriture 2009. En 2011, les histoires de ses deux enfants Koku le coq et l’âne Dokono; deux histoires passionnantes se déroulant à Accra ont été bien accueillies à la fois localement et à l’étranger. Franka est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef d’un magazine annuel pour les femmes entrepreneurs appelés AWE.[/tp]

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]I was pleased when I heard that AWDF had been nominated in the category of ‘best organisational blog’ for Ghana’s very first social media awards which took place on Saturday 23rd March at the Kofi Annan Centre in Accra. AWDF was one of 3 blogs shortlisted in the category. Ahead of the presentation, representatives of the blog awards organising committee stated that there were 1,128 nominations spread over 13 categories with an average of 87 nominations per category. Its indeed commendable that in the face of such fierce competition AWDF made the shortlist. Congratulations to the Accra[dot]Alt team that won in the category of ‘best organisational blog’.

The ‘overall best blog’ and ‘best activist blog’ awards went to ‘Adventures from the Bedrooms of African Women‘ which is curated by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, a member of AWDF ‘s staff.

It was also really good to see a number of women bloggers pick up awards including double award winner Ganyobi Naa , Jemila Abdulai with Kinna Likimani picking up an honorary award on behalf of the ‘Ghana Decides’ team which did a phenomenal job of utilising the power of social media to mobilise Ghanaians during Ghana’s recent Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Kinna also did an amazing summary of #BlogCamp13 on her site which I recommend you read to get a sense of the event.

Congratulations to all winners at #BlogCamp13

By: Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]J’ai été heureuse d’entendre qu’AWDF avait été nominé dans la catégorie du «meilleur blog organisationnel» pour le tout premier prix des médias sociaux du Ghana qui a eu lieu le samedi 23 Mars au Centre Kofi Annan à Accra. AWDF était l’un des 3 blogs finalistes dans la catégorie. Avant la présentation, les représentants du comité d’organisation des récompenses a déclaré qu’il y avait 1128 candidatures réparties sur 13 catégories, avec une moyenne de 87 candidatures par catégorie.C’est louable que face à une telle concurrence qu’AWDF ait fait partie de la liste. Félicitations à l’équipe d’Accra[dot]Alt qui a remporté le prix dans la catégorie de «meilleur blog organisationnel».

Le «meilleur blog global» et prix du «meilleur blog militant» sont allés à «Adventures from the Bedrooms of African Women» qui est organisée par Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, un membre du personnel d’AWDF.

Il était aussi très bon de voir un certain nombre de femmes blogueuses recevoir des prix, dont le double vainqueur du prix Ganyobi Naa, Jemila Abdulai avec Kinna Likimani recevoir un prix honorifique au nom de “Ghana Decides” dont l’équipe a fait un travail phénoménal de l’utilisation de la puissance des médias sociaux pour mobiliser les Ghanéens lors des élections présidentielles et parlementaires récentes du Ghana. Kinna a également fait un résumé incroyable de #BlogCamp13 sur son site que je vous recommande de lire pour avoir une idée de l’événement.

Félicitations à tous les gagnants de # BlogCamp13[/tp]

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]Nana Nyarko Boateng is a Writer, Poet, and a Social Entrepreneur. She writes and works to celebrate the human spirit and to promote our bottomless capacity for change. She has worked in Media as a Broadcast Journalist and a Newspaper Editor. She has also served in the Creative Arts and the Publishing industry as a Consultant, a Programs Executive, a Publishing Assistant and a Freelance Writer. She studied English and Political Science at the University of Ghana. Nana currently manages the Gird Center, a Resource and Publication Center based in Accra. She believes in breeding and spending beauty. Some of her writing and poetry has appeared in: Reflections: An Anthology; Lynne Rienner Publishers, United States, January 2013. Summoning The Rain, Anthology; Femrite, Uganda, May 2012. Look where you have come to sit, Anthology; Wolei Publishers, Ghana, March 2011. Defiled sacredness Anthology; Mensa Press, UK, September 2010. We are one from one place Anthology; Mensa Press, UK, September 2010.

See footage below of Nana Nyarko’s recital, reading and narration at the book slam held on International Women’s Day.[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Nana Boateng Nyarko est une écrivaine, poète, et un entrepreneur social. Elle écrit et travaille pour célébrer l’esprit humain et promouvoir notre capacité au changement de fond. Elle a travaillé dans les médias comme journaliste de radiotélévision et directeur de journal. Elle a également servi dans les arts créatifs et l’industrie de l’édition en tant que consultante, programmeur exécutif, assistante d’édition et rédacteur pigiste. Elle a étudié l’anglais et les sciences politiques à l’Université du Ghana. Nana gère actuellement le Centre Gird, un centre de ressources et de publication basée à Accra. Elle croit dans le développement et la diffusion de la beauté. Certains de ses écrits et de sa poésie sont parus dans: Reflexions: An Anthology; Lynne Rienner Publishers, États-Unis, Janvier 2013. Summoning The Rain, Anthology; Femrite, Ouganda, mai 2012. Look where you have come to sit, Anthology; Wolei Publishers, Ghana, Mars 2011. Defiled sacredness Anthology; Mensa Press, Royaume-Uni, Septembre 2010. We are one from one place Anthology; Mensa Press, Royaume-Uni, Septembre de 2010.

Voir ci-dessous des images du récit de Nana Nyarko, la lecture et la narration au ‘book slam’ se sont tenues lors de la Journée internationale des femmes.[/tp]

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]Between the 18th and 21st of February, the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) and Alliance Francaise (Accra), organised a photography workshop for women led by Fatoumata Diabate, the award winning Malian photographer.

Feedback from participants who attended the workshop included:

“My skills are definitely improved in terms of knowing what makes a good photo” Onyinyechi Okechukwu, Nigeria

“Learnt a lot about the historic background of photography, need to be more attentive on surroundings before taking pictures. Be careful with cropping and over editing, always keep an original copy.” Sena Dede Ahadji, Ghana

“I learnt about history of photography and pioneering photographers” Roxanne Scott, United States.

Enjoy the visual representation of the workshop below. All photographs by Fatoumata Diabate.[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Entre le 18 et le 21 Février, le Fonds africain de développement de la femme (AWDF) et l’Alliance Française (Accra), ont organisé un atelier de photographie pour les femmes dirigé par Fatoumata Diabaté, photographe malienne primée.

Les commentaires des participants qui ont assisté à l’atelier ont inclus:

“Mes compétences sont certainement améliorées en termes de savoir ce qui fait une bonne photo” Onyinyechi Okechukwu, Nigeria

“J’ai appris beaucoup sur le contexte historique de la photographie, j’ai besoin d’être plus attentive sur les alentours avant de prendre des photos. Soyez prudent avec les recadrages et sur l’édition, toujours garder une copie originale.” Sena Dede Ahadji, Ghana

“J’ai appris l’histoire de la photographie et les photographes pionniers” Roxanne Scott, États-Unis.

Profitez de la représentation visuelle de l’atelier ci-dessous. Toutes les photographies de Fatoumata Diabaté.[/tp]

Nana Akosua’s fierce poetry performance during the International Women’s Day book slam organised by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) and Alliance Francaise (AF) inspired the following tweet from from a member of the audience:

“Nana Akosua’s handle please. She won my oscar. Great job with the show tonight. Kudos!”

On the occasion of World Poetry Day we celebrate Nana Akosua Hanson and all the inspiring poets who move us with their words, and delight us with their performances. Enjoy one of the pieces performed to keyboards by the very talented Nana Akosua on International Women’s Day.