Category: News

Do you have experience in: Programme and Project Management; Consortium Coordination; Thought leadership on issues, partners and funding approaches to Counter Anti-Rights and Anti-Gender movements; Programme Resourcing and Convening African Women’s Rights and Feminist organisations and movements?

Are you interested in developing a strategic portfolio of partnerships through the Komboa Funded Initiative that is inclusive, feminist, trust-based, collaborative and responsive which includes longer-term support?

Are you a highly motivated person who is passionate about women’s rights in Africa, excited about African feminisms, embraces African women’s diversity and is innovative to join the team.

If this is you, then apply to come and work with us.

We are hiring to fill a vacancy for the position of Funded Initiative Coordinator – Komboa Initiative.

How to Apply: 

Apply  online via https://awdf.simplicant.com/jobs/53468-funded-initiative-coordinator-komboa-initiative/detail

Qualified and interested persons should send the following on the online application platform :

• A cover letter of not more than 2 pages addressed to the Human Resources Manager, explaining their interest and excitement in applying for the position to work for AWDF; and highlighting their experience and competencies as they relate to the specific areas of duties indicated in the vacancy to demonstrate a good fit for the role.
• A CV of not more than 3 pages outlining their educational qualifications and employment records with key achievements on relevant positions held.

Applications for the vacancy should reach AWDF no later than Monday 29th July 2024. Due to our limited capacity, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for additional information and interviews. 

In line with AWDF’s Mission, qualified African women and gender expansive persons are encouraged to apply. 

We are looking for consultants/firm to support our work under the Komboa consortium  to undertake in-depth analysis and produce a documentary video on the impact of the consortium in countering the anti-gender and anti-rights movement

The Komboa consortium is comprised of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest (ISDAO), the Doria Feminist Fund (Doria), Purposeful, and the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA).

As a Consortium of funds primarily based on the African continent, primarily led by Africans, we are accountable to African women, girls, and gender-expansive people of all ages. All aspects of our programming and resourcing thus center on African feminists, their knowledge, and advancing gender justice on the continent: we seek to comprehensively resource our partners and allow their knowledge and expertise to inform our programming. Our cultural insights and strategies are infused in our work as regionally-anchored organizations, our collectivist, collaborative approach, and African ways of being and commitment to decolonizing inherent in centering African leadership in the struggle for gender justice.

We seek the services of a consultant or firm to undertake an in-depth analysis and documentation process that will creatively capture innovative approaches utilised by our consortium members to showcase the intricate aspects of who we are, what works and how, qualitative and quantitative impact as well as scalable lessons in countering the anti-rights and anti gender rights movement in Africa and the Middle East.

The purpose of this assignment is to develop two video documentaries depicting why the consortium exists, what issues the consortium focuses on and showcasing the impact of the consortium. The final product will be used for advocacy and communication purposes.

The consultant/firm is expected to produce two videos; edit the footage; record and edit narration; Audio balance the final product and convert it in formats for use on web; Embed subtitles in different languages in the video as per need Conduct interviews with selected Komboa Consortium members and external partners; Ensure that release forms are signed and that consent is duly sought with additional sensitivity to visual documentation; include appropriate Komboa Consortium branding and crediting of Komboa Consortium ownership for the produced videos; Work closely with the Knowledge Management Committee to shape the final product.

Please Download  the full Terms of Reference for more details and mode of application.

Closing date is no later than 23:59 PM UTC on 8 August 2024.

How to Apply To apply,

Please send the following to fundraising@sihanet.org and abena@awdf.org

1. A concept note demonstrating your understanding of the TOR and your proposed approach
2. The CVs of all team members
3. Your technical and financial/budget proposals
4. One example of a relevant video that the consultant/s/firm have worked on recently
5. A Cover email – Email subject header: Application: XXXXX Consultancy which sets out what excites you about this piece of work and why you’re applying.

AWDF is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity that has arisen in its team.

Are you ready to be part of a passionate, diverse, and dedicated team working to support and strengthen feminist organisations and movements in pursuit of gender justice and social transformation in Africa?

Then join our team as the next Programme Assistant (shared) for the Knowledge and Voice and Non  Traditional Actors.

Job summary

The Programme Assistant (Non Traditional Actors and Knowledge and Voice) is a shared role that is responsible for providing administrative and programmatic support, contributing to the efficient operation of AWDF’s Knowledge and Voice work and our partnerships with non-traditional actors and collectives. The role will work in close collaboration with both the Knowledge and Voice Specialist and Senior Programme Officer for Non Traditional Actors supporting the implementation of initiatives that serve to unlock voice and agency of non traditional African women’s rights and feminist activists, leaders, collectives and movements.

How to Apply:

Qualified and interested persons should send:

• A cover letter of not more than 2 pages to the Human Resources Manager via  the following link

https://awdf.simplicant.com/jobs/53381-programme-assistant-shared-knowledge-and-voice-k-v-and-non-traditional-actors-nta-cluster/detail

explaining their interest and excitement in applying for the position to work for AWDF; and highlighting their experience and competencies as they relate to the specific areas of duties indicated in the vacancy to demonstrate a good fit for the role.

• A CV of not more than 3 pages outlining their educational qualifications and employment records with key achievements on relevant positions held.

Applications for the vacancy should reach AWDF no later than Monday, 23rd July 2024. Due to our limited capacity, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for additional information and interviews.

Leading from the South (LFS) is a feminist global South-led consortium conceptualized and managed by four leading women’s funds: African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Fondo de Mujeres del Sur (FMS), International Indigenous Women’s Forum (FIMI) , and Women’s Fund Asia (WFA). As a feminist resource alliance, LFS supports feminist activism and lobbying efforts by women, girls, and trans-led organizations, movements, and networks at the regional, national, and grassroots levels in the Global South.

What actions are the beneficiaries taking? Discover 3 of them:

Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD), Benin

• Advocates for the effective implementation of the legal framework prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Republic of Benin.
• Engages in dialogue on FGM with religious and traditional leaders in Natitingou, Benin.

African Girls Empowerment Network, Nigeria

• Launched in September 2023, this campaign aims to engage over 10,000 men in the fight to end rape, child marriage, intimate partner violence, and the stigma against women’s reproductive choices.

YOWLI Burundi

• Implements labor laws to promote the rights of domestic workers.
• Celebrated International Women’s Day 2023, attended by YOWLI Burundi members, domestic workers, representatives of domestic worker associations, and journalists.

Bintou Mariam Traoré

In 2021,  African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Ford Foundation, and Open Society launched the KASA! Initiative with a USD 3.75 million fund for five years in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal to combat sexual violence. The initiative addresses alarming rates of violence: 33% of women and girls aged 15-49 in Nigeria, 21.5% in Senegal, and 24% in Ghana have experienced violence. KASA! has supported 29 women’s rights and feminist organizations.

This video highlights three partners:

Project Alert, Nigeria

• Conducts research on sexual violence in educational institutions.
• Advocates against sexual violence in schools.
• Engages with school authorities to implement preventive measures and improve response.

Association of Senegalese Women Jurists (AJS)

• Popularizes Law 2020-05 criminalizing rape and pedophilia through training, media campaigns, community outreach, and girls’ clubs.
• Provides legal support for survivors.

Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA), Ghana

• Trains female students to spread anti-sexual violence messages.
• Organizes radio and social media campaigns.
• Sensitizes healthcare professionals and law enforcement to improve services for survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.

Bintou Mariam Traoré

The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) recently launched their “Where Is The Money for Feminist Organizing?” #WITM survey which  is  now live!

Make your voice count,  join in sharing  your lived experience with funding your organizing, claim your power and shine light on the  state of resourcing for feminist movements through this  global online survey

Learn more about the survey and its impact here.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

WITM is a global self-administered online survey designed to shed light on the financial status of diverse feminist movements. It is now available here in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

TAKE THE SURVEY 

The WITM survey is aimed for groups, organizations and movements working specifically or primarily for the rights of women, LBTQI+ people and on gender justice, in all contexts, at all levels, and in all regions.

KEY DETAILS  

• The survey is open until July 31st, 2024
• It’s accessible to people with a diverse range of hearing, movement, sight, and cognitive abilities
• Takes approximately 30 minutes to complete

Results of the survey will be shared at the AWID Forum in Bangkok in December 2024 and online.

GET MORE INFORMATION:

Please contact AWID team with any questions you might have about the survey at witm@awid.org

This landscape analysis was commissioned by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) and the Foundation for a Just Society (FJS). The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of the context and state of women’s rights and feminist organizing in Francophone West Africa (FWA), with a particular focus on Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Senegal.

This report provides a nuanced understanding of the feminist organizing and funding landscape in FWA. It serves as a philanthropic advocacy tool to attract more and better funding for feminist movements in the region.

Find the Mapping here Mapping English

The key findings Mapping Key Findings Mapping West Africa Report

Are you ready to be part of a passionate, diverse, and dedicated team working to support and strengthen feminist organisations and movements in pursuit of gender justice and social transformation in Africa?

The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is thrilled to announce the Communications Officer vacancy that could be the career opportunity you’re looking for.

Do  you have a flair for storytelling? Do you have experience in conceptualising and implementing campaigns and other initiatives to leverage key calendar opportunities or amplify key messages or initiatives, monitoring relevant communications initiatives, and developments in the sectors that are relevant for AWDF’s communications work?

Are you ready to establish and strengthen working relationships with key media houses, social media initiatives, communications experts, activists, and leading voices in the feminist movement, women’s rights organisations, philanthropy sectors?

Then apply for  the Communications Officer role by Monday 10 June 2024. 

For more information and mode of application for the Communications Officer position, please visit the Application Portal here.

Please include the following:

• A cover letter of not more than 2 pages, to the Human Resources Manager, explaining your interest and excitement in applying for the position, and highlighting your experience and competencies as they relate to the specific areas of duties indicated in the vacancy to demonstrate a good fit for the role.
• A CV of not more than 3 pages outlining your educational qualifications and employment records with key achievements on relevant positions held.

Due to our limited capacity, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for additional information and interviews.

In line with AWDF’s Mission, qualified African women are encouraged to apply

On the 5th to 9th February 2024, 14 participants representing 13 organizations from 11 countries  from Francophone Africa participated in an Advocacy and Communications Learning Platform. AWDF organised   an intensive and enriching week in Accra, bringing together its Francophone partners for a workshop focused on communication, and advocacy. This innovative event provided a strategic platform to strengthen collaboration among organizations working for the development of women in Francophone Africa. The training session was led by Maïmouna Jallow, a multidisciplinary African feminist artist and communication consultant.

A Timely Training

At the heart of the gathering, intense communication sessions were conducted to enhance participants’ skills in delivering impactful messages and managing issues related to the promotion of women’s rights. Modules on feminist communications, media relations, and the writing of press releases provided a fertile ground for discussions and learning.

Advocacy, the central pivot of the discussions, shed light on the specific challenges faced by women in Francophone countries, while exploring innovative strategies to influence policies in favor of gender equality. The training emphasized the crucial importance for women’s rights advocacy organizations to be visible, creative, and consistent in their communication to impact change.

For LaDouce Irakoze, from the Young Women’s Knowledge and Leadership Institute in Burundi:

“The workshop was very beneficial, and I want to thank the facilitator for her excellent communication skills. Our organization, engaged in advocacy in Burundi for clear policies on women’s rights, especially for domestic workers, gained essential skills. Communication training for feminist associations is crucial to be creative, effective, consistent, well-coordinated, and to communicate impactfully to our audience. The section on press releases was particularly enriching for me, and I am confident that it will significantly enhance our work.”

Tools Against Online Violence: Reflections on Feminism 2.0

An essential part of the workshop was dedicated to the challenges of the digital world, where women journalists and communicators face a growing threat: cyber harassment. Participants discussed the concepts of feminism 2.0 in Francophone Africa, image appropriation, cybersexism, and online security. Experienced speakers shared strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity for feminist activists.

“As a communicator, journalist, and feminist, I actively manage several feminist pages and communicate daily on social media. I consider this to be an important step, but as a feminist activist, the need to communicate, inform, and especially advocate for our causes is crucial. I particularly appreciated the module on communication strategy and cybersecurity for feminist activists. I am convinced that all feminists should acquire these skills. AWDF should continue to further support training in communication and advocacy, both for organizations and their communication officers.” Aminata Pilimini Diallo, Guinean feminist web journalist

Francophone Connection and Future Perspectives

The training took a well-being break with a rejuvenating yoga session. Beyond the physical movements, this experience created a special connection among the participants, strengthening the bonds within the group. Shared smiles, compassionate glances, and emerging camaraderie contributed to forging a strong Francophone connection within the community.

At the end of the training, participants expressed the need to develop additional skills and emphasized the importance of post-workshop follow-up. This request underscores the ongoing commitment of organizations and AWDF to support the professional development of participants and enhance the impact of collective actions for gender equality.”

Bintou Mariam Traoré, Communications officer

We are thrilled to extend an invitation to an upcoming webinar hosted by the AWDF team! As we transition into a new phase of our journey, from movement building to solidarity and care we are eager to connect with you all to explore, reflect, and envision together the future of feminist movements.

**Event Details:**

📅 Date: 25 April 2024

⏰ Time: 1 PM GMT / (3PM SAST)

🌍 Language: French Portuguese and English

In this webinar, we aim to create a dynamic space for reflective conversations led by esteemed panellists including :

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Ghanaian feminist, author of”The Sex Lives of African Women”

Nathalie Fanja Haaby, Senegalese holistic feminist therapist and Kundalini Yoga teacher

Buky Olabukunola Williams , Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Lead at Akina Mama wa Afrika

Aaliyah O. Ibrahim , Nigerian multidisciplinary artist, and international development practitioner

Ruth Nyambura, Kenyan feminist and renowned political educator

This conversation will be moderated by Crystal Simeoni. 

The speakers’ diverse experiences, stories, knowledge, and narratives will enrich our discussions about feminist aspirations, collectives, and women’s rights organisations.

The Webinar seeks to:

Popularise the Solidarity and Care strategy within women’s rights and feminist movements;

Cultivate connections and solidarity among movement, women’s rights, and feminists; 

Facilitate collaboration and innovation in producing and sharing indigenous knowledge and technologies;

Inspire and promote practices of rest, recuperation, and celebration within women and feminist movements, nurturing their well-being;

The webinar will be conducted in a conversational style, allowing ample opportunities for participants to engage, ask questions, share experiences, and connect with fellow activists.So, come and join us as we delve into what has been accomplished, explore the present landscape, and collectively envision the future of feminist solidarity and care.

Registration

To secure your spot and receive further details about the webinar, please register on the following link https://bit.ly/3xCT59H 

Let’s come together to ignite conversations, inspire action, and nurture the bonds of solidarity that fuel our movements!