Category: Uncategorized
The Power of Narrative: AWDF presents the Vagina Monologues
The Power of Narrative: AWDF presents the Vagina Monologues
This International Women’s Month, the African Women’s Development fund celebrates the power of Narrative, both on the collective and on the individual level. Throughout history African women have been rebellious change-makers, advocating for their independence and finding ways to gain power in societies that oftentimes restricted them from having full autonomy. It’s important for us at AWDF to celebrate the stories of these women and highlight the ways in which African women continue to own their own narratives. We know just how strong storytelling can be. It can transform nations, inspire and teach whilst reminding us of the art that our own lives have the possibility be, if we’re brave enough to take the first hesitant steps towards something different.
As part of our celebration of Narrative, this year we will be collaborating with the Global Arts and Development Centre in a performance of the Vagina Monologues. This is a collection of a varying number of monologues performed by a broad spectrum of women. Each monologue examines aspects of the feminine experience, touching on everything from HIV and FGM to birth and the female orgasm. The play was written by Eve Ensler and premiered in 1996. Since then it has been updated and performed hundreds of times around the world with various adaptation made by different casts.
We’re excited to partner with the Global Arts and Development Centre to bring this years performance to life, and invite people to come, watch and talk about what they see, and who they see represented in the work. This play forces us to think of the nature of womanhood and how we see and experience it in our daily lives. We invite the general public to come and witness with us the power of Narrative in action, on Friday March 23rd 2019, at the Law Faculty Auditorium, University of Ghana, Legon, at 6.00 pm.
#ThePowerOfNarrative
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – Consultancy, Grantmaking Audit
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – Consultancy, Grantmaking Audit
The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is inviting applications from feminist oriented grantmaking systems consultants to undertake an audit of its grant making systems and processes.
For Terms of Reference, Kindly click here
Closing date for receiving applications is Friday 26th April 2019 2019”
Is internet space feminist enough?
Is internet space feminist enough?
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By Ablodegbo Ameyo Savi Dekoleadenu
8/11/2018
According to www.feministinternet.com, the internet holds huge potential for political transformation and liberation. It is a platform that provides a variety of information and communications facilities that can be harnessed to build political coalitions. The report on “State of Internet Freedom in Africa 2018 indicates that globally, the use of internet is on the rise; for instance in Africa, internet usage is fast growing among individuals, enterprises and government departments and with strengthened online participation, women have also been able to increase their involvement in public and political life.
Internet equality1 per the definition of www.feministinternet.com means equal rights to freedom of expression, privacy, data protection, internet access, regardless of race, class, gender, age, belief or ability. Therefore, a feminist internet space can be defined as a place where the same human rights principles we fight for offline exist online; a place where governments cannot spy on activists and free speech is a right; a place where women feel free to engage in a ways they choose to without any trolls; a place where women can share their work, achievements, and creativity in order to empower themselves.
Yet, for women and women’s rights organisations to enjoy the full benefits of the internet, there should be the elimination of a set of barriers including violations of privacy and data protection, the poor state of internet freedom, the unauthorised use and manipulation of personal information including images and videos, sexual harassment, gender-based violence and hate speech against women online among others.
The report on the State of Internet Freedom in Africa 2018 emphasises on the right to privacy which is central to the protection of human dignity, forms the basis of any democratic society and supports other rights such as the freedom of expression, information and association. Therefore, it is essential for states to have policy frameworks that protect individuals from invasion of their privacy and abuse of their personal data and rights.
According to the same report, some African countries have enacted data protection laws, many ICT users are unaware of their related privacy rights .In Africa, for instance, 22 countries have privacy and data protection laws namely Angola (2016), Benin (2009), Botswana (2018), Burkina Faso (2004), Chad (2015), Cape Verde (2001), Cote d’Ivoire (2013), Equatorial Guinea (2016), Gabon (2011), Ghana (2012) Lesotho (2012) Madagascar (2014) Mali (2013), Mauritius (2017), Mauritania (2017), Morocco (2009), Senegal (2008), Seychelles (2002), South Africa (2013), Tunisia (2004), Zambia and Zimbabwe (2003). In March 2018, the Uganda Communications Commission ordered the registration of online content2
While there are efforts in some countries to address problems faced by women and women’s rights organisations in the internet space, gaps in policy and practice persist and there is need for practical solutions to deepen understanding of the realities of being online for women and being subjected to abuse, harassment, and threats.
Several conferences, forums and workshops are held in different parts of the globe in order to find solutions to issues faced by women and women’s rights organisations in the digital world. These include:
Gender, Sexuality, and internet (April 2014) organised by Association for Progressive Communications (APC) which drafted The Feminist Principles of the Internet, series of statements that offer a gender and sexual rights lens on critical internet-related rights.
Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (September 2018) organised by Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa in partnership with the Media Foundation West Africa) where the book on the State of Internet Freedom in Africa 2018 was launched.
The Diana Initiative’s 2018 conference (August 2018), organised by the DIANA initiative, an organisation that is dedicated to supporting women who are interested in pursuing a career in information security, promoting diverse workplaces, and helping to change workplace cultures so that organisations can be supportive of all employees regardless of gender.
AppSec Europe annual conference (July 2018) hosted by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), a non-profit organisation which strives to raise the visibility of software security worldwide.
Africa Cyber Security Conference (October 2018) which talked about technology and innovations.
International Network of Women’s Fund (Prospera) was not left out. It discovered the need for its members (Women’s Funds) to be enlightened on issues of internet security. Therefore, on November 6th and 7th 2018, Prospera members met in Ravenala Attitude Hotel Port Louis Mauritius to have a workshop on Digital security. During this 2day training participants became more aware of the rudiments of digital security and learnt how to protect themselves as individuals and as women’s rights organisations when engaging online. It was an interactive discussions in which participants shared their experiences of online activism. Some include email and system hacking, trolling, and being attacked by governments’ officials because of speech published online. It was clear that the online world is just a mirror of our offline world.
Participants at the Digital Security workshop organised by Prospera 6-7/11/18
At the end of the training, the following recommendations were made:
- Drafting a privacy policy clearly stating for instance how information collected either by the organisation or from the organisation should be used. This policy should then be shared with grantees and potential grantees, partners and potential partners so as to be aware of dangers associated with non-conforming to using the privacy policy when transacting with the organisation.
- Having a secure website that is https (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) instead of http (HyperText Transfer Protocol)
- Backing up data
- Having strong storage systems
- Re-setting passwords on a regular basis
- Investing in more sophisticated anti-virus systems and other security softwares
- Organising training for staff on a regular basis to broaden their knowledge on digital security issues
- Encryption of calls, emails, folders, files…
- Using passphrases instead of passwords when opening any account
Sources: 1 www.feministinternet.com, 2 State of Internet Freedom in Africa 2018, Gender rights online
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Theo Sowa shares her thoughts with ‘Deliver for Good’ on Advocacy, Narrative and Her Sheroes!
Theo Sowa shares her thoughts with ‘Deliver for Good’ on Advocacy, Narrative and Her Sheroes!
Deliver for Good is an incredible global campaign, initiated by Women Deliver and its partners. It is an evidence-based advocacy campaign that applies a gender lens to the sustainable Development Goals, pushing actors to enhance policy programing and investment in girls and women. As part of this campaign,Theo Sowa, CEO of AWDF, spoke with Deliver for good in a brief interview. She shares her thoughts about who she considers her Sheroes and how the African woman’s narrative and reality can be a game-changer.
Here’s an excerpt from the interview:
WD: You have been listed as a leading African feminist helping to inspire the next generation of women leaders across Africa – and truly all around the world. Who are your sheros and how did they inspire you to become such a key voice for gender equality? Given this month’s editorial focus, if you have any education specific examples, please share!
TS: I have so many sheroes! Too many to list. For today though, I’d mention my mother and grandmother, who believed in the power of a good education, made sure that all the children in our family had that opportunity – but also made sure that we understood and appreciated the full potential, diversity and power of women – and the importance of listening, learning from and respecting all people. I’d mention Graca Machel, who pushed me to use my voice rather than staying in my comfort zone of helping other people to use their voices and show the world their own versions and visions of leadership. She taught me the importance of women recognizing and using our power constructively, and not colluding with those who would strip us of our power or tell us that to be visionary, powerful and amazing changemakers is somehow not feminine or not African. I would mention the fantastic women and girls that I met over the years in refugee and displaced persons camps in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Uganda (amongst other places) who had been through such horror, but showed every day that they were not victims but survivors and pushed to change the injustices in our world so that other women and girls did not go through the horrors that they had experienced. I’d mention the girls, adolescents, women and grandmothers who have taught me about resilience and solidarity – and all my sheroes who have taught me that rights and justice without love does not make a feminist revolution.
For the full interview, please click this LINK.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – Women and Girls project
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – Women and Girls project
The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is seeking for an expression of interest from an experienced consultant to undertake end of project evaluation. We are looking for a consultant with demonstrable expertise on monitoring, evaluation and learning (ME&L) with special focus on women’s rights work in Africa. The consultant is expected to carry out an end of project evaluation in one of the projects implemented through support from Comic Relief.
The time frame expected for the execution of this study is 30 days during the second quarter of the year 2019.
Interested applicants are encouraged to send their expression of interest with:
- Copy of CV
- One recent example of similar task accomplished
- Financial proposal – consultancy fees (daily rates and number of days required)
This should be sent to the following address: jobs@africlub.net/awdf and meassistant@africlub.net/awdf
Please find the Terms of Reference (TOR) here TOR – CR W&G end of project evaluation
The deadline for submission of applications is Friday March 22, 2019. Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted.
Applications from women consultants based in Africa are especially welcome.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – Leadership and Governance project
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – Leadership and Governance project
The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is seeking for an expression of interest from an experienced consultant to undertake end of project evaluation. We are looking for a consultant with demonstrable expertise on monitoring, evaluation and learning (ME&L) with special focus on women’s rights work in Africa. The consultant is expected to carry out an end of project evaluation in one of the projects implemented through support from Comic Relief. The time frame expected for the execution of this study is 20 days during the second quarter of the year
2019.
Interested applicants are encouraged to send their expression of interest with:
Copy of CV
One recent example of similar task accomplished
Financial proposal – consultancy fees (daily rates and number of days required)
This should be sent to the following address:
jobs@africlub.net/awdf and meassistant@africlub.net/awdf
Please find the full Terms of Reference (TOR) here: COMPLETE TOR – Leadership and Governance program.The deadline for submission of applications is Friday March 15, 2019. Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted. Applications from women consultants based in Africa are especially welcome.
Terms of Reference: AWDF Grantmaking Audit
Terms of Reference: AWDF Grantmaking Audit
Introduction
The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) was founded in the year 2000 as an autonomous, Africa-wide foundation, awarding grants for the support of non-profit African women’s organisations working for social justice, equity and peace, as well as carrying out capacity building work for those organisations and generating knowledge on African women’s work and achievements. In its 18-year history, AWDF has disbursed over 41 million USD to more than 1,370 women’s rights organisations in 43
African nations and 7 countries in the Middle East. AWDF receives its funding from a range of bi-lateral and international donor agencies, private sector entities, African and international philanthropists, and the African Diaspora.
AWDF makes grants in 3 thematic areas namely:
- Body & Health Rights
- Economic Security & Justice
- Leadership, Participation & Peace
In addition, AWDF has issues of young women, arts and culture and technology as cross cutting themes and prioritises projects working with women facing multiple discriminations.
CONTEXT
AWDF started as a grantmaking organisation with a grantmaking budget of about US$350,000 in year 2001 supporting small to medium sized organisations, mainly community women’s groups on the African continent. AWDF’s grantmaking portfolio has grown over the years – reaching a grantmaking budget of over US$6,800,000 in
- Currently AWDF supports community, national and regional African women’s organisations. Over the years AWDF’s grantmaking systems and processes have evolved organicallyto meet growing needs of grantees and changes in our grant sizes. AWDF currently awards Main grants (grants of up to $100,000), the Leading From the South initiative
(grants of up to $500,000), special grants including World AIDS Day and 16 Days of Activism ($2,000), capacity building grants, and solidarity and legacy grants. Application for grants are received and processed in English and French.
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Purpose of assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to undertake a grantmaking audit that involves an objective look at the organisation’s grantmaking policies, practices, procedures and strategies to help strengthen and protect the organisation’s grantmaking integrity, establish best practices and identify opportunities for improvement. An objective review of the organisation’s current grantmaking state can help in evaluating whether specific
practice areas would be able to accommodate future growth and needs. The results can provide management with the information necessary to decide what areas need improvement.
To this end, AWDF requires an audit and strengthening measures for its grantmaking function in order to stay abreast with its growth and current trends. As part of that process therefore, AWDF wants this framework to be focused on the future in order to adequately cater for a growin grantmaking portfolio and emerging best practice trends in feminist grantmaking.
Scope of audit
The scope of this audit should cover among others the review of and recommendations around improving:
- AWDF grantmaking systems- model(s), policies & practices
- grantmaking tools including the application and reporting guidelines, the
application review templates, dockets, etc - human resource capacity of the grants department
- documentation practices within the department
- due diligence and desk and field review systems undertaken by the grant’s team
- grantee support and technical advice provided by the grants team
- all other functions and tasks undertaken by the grants team
- The linkages with other departments within AWDF and external key stakeholders
Methodology
The Consultant will use a diverse range of methodologies best suited to meeting the
objectives of the audit including;
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- Desk review of relevant documents
- Interviews with relevant members of staff
- Interviews or focus group discussion with key stakeholders, such as grantees or
donors. - Review of AWDF’s grantmaking system, processes and procedures including the
grants department’s interface with finance, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning,
Capacity Building and Communications, Knowledge Management, with the Director of
Programmes and CEO.
Expected deliverables
- A report that includes findings of the review and:
Recommendations around systems and processes
Recommendations for more efficient workflow within the team and with other
departments
Recommendations around human resources - A grantmaking handbook – incorporating agreed recommendations
Consultant’s profile
The consultant should have:
- Expert knowledge of human rights/ social justice grantmaking systems,
processes and trends is essential. - Systems oriented person but with deep understanding of African contexts/ global
South realities - Experience in women’s rights issues and organisations
- In-depth understanding of feminist principles and how they relate to
organisational processes - Excellent writing skills and proficiency in English essential.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible attitude
- Proven ability to deliver work on time
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Duration of assignment
The assignment must be completed by September 2019.
The Consultant shall be required to submit the first draft for review by XXXXX and the
final document incorporating all comments by XXX
How to apply
Please send a CV and cover letter indicating proposed methodology, timeline and
number of consulting days, previous experience and relevant field knowledge as well as
a quotation for assignment fee to Beatrice Boakye-Yiadom – Grants Manager –
beatrice@africlub.net/awdf , copying vivian@africlub.net/awdf – the HR & Admin Manager
Please put in the email subject header: “Application for Consultancy- Grantmaking
Audit”
Deadline for submissions is no later than XXX.
Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) Assembly 2018
Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) Assembly 2018
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Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) is organising its ASSEMBLY 2018 as part of its mandate to establish a strong voice for African philanthropy in order to address the growing challenges of conflict, poverty and bad governance in Africa.
Running from 8th to 9th November 2018, in Port Louis Mauritius, the program will include sessions on:
People Pillar, which will explore some trends, motivations, social and economic dynamics that are shaping African philanthropy. Opportunity for transforming Africa’s development story from one of “need” and “dependence” to one of “self-direction and self-reliance” and the barriers when it comes to supporting issues that are considered “difficult” or “unpopular”.
Policy Pillar: This session will answer Key questions such us
- The role of government in fostering philanthropy / local giving;
- The domestic advantage? The rise of foreign funding restrictions for civil society and its implications for African philanthropy;
- Claiming rights over assets and illicit financial flows – what is philanthropy’s role in stemming illegal / immoral flows?
- What is the role for international funders in contributing to the emergence of a strong, trusted and effective foundation sector in Africa?
Practice Pillar will focus on exciting new tools and strategies for building philanthropy, new networks (global and regional) as well as sector-level issues that look at what kinds of support a functioning ecosystem for philanthropy in Africa needs.
Apart from The Vice President of Mauritius Mr. Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory who is the featured speaker of this event, other speakers include Theo Sowa -CEO of African Women’s Development Fund, Ndanatsei Bofu-Tawamba from Urgent Action Fund Africa, Jeanne Elone from Trust Africa, Jenny Hodgson from Global Fund for Community Foundations; Francis Kiwanga from Foundation for Civil Society Tanzania.
This program is a unique opportunity to learn, network and have fun.
To learn more about this event click here
The Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) is an independent, not for profit, organizational member-based continent-wide network that was launched in July 2009 in Accra, Ghana as the Africa Grantmakers Network (AGN), and later rebranded to APN in July 2015, with a commitment to building a broad, multi-stakeholder understanding and recognition of the contribution of philanthropy as a field that bridges development and local ownership. Today, APN brings together 67 members organizations serving different forms of African philanthropy over 20 African countries, and the only network of its kind in the continent. Together APN members represent civil society and community partners in more than 50 African countries. Since 2010, African Philanthropy Network (APN), a non-profit network that promotes voice and action of African philanthropy, has organized a space for experienced and new philanthropy leaders who want to engage in a conversation that would enrich each other’s understanding and practice on African philanthropy by developing and African-generated and African-owned narrative about different forms and models of philanthropy in Africa.
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SHEROES – Join us as we Transform Lives Through Music
SHEROES – Join us as we Transform Lives Through Music
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We are excited to share the star-studded #Sheroes Album, compiled with love and music from incredible artistes from across Africa. Sheroes represents the strength and diversity of African women, and features artistes who generously contributed to this album in support of our work.
Get your copy of Sheroes and join the campaign now! You will get your very own copy of this inspiring compilation of music as well as contribute to transforming the lives of African women.
Music has amazing transformational power and through revolutions and empires it has provided people with a world-view that often connects them and challenges them.
In recognition of this, AWDF is harnessing the power of music, through the SHEROES Album, to celebrate African women for their resilience and their capacity to transform their lives and their communities. Sheroes also serves to create awareness about the work of AWDF and mobilise additional financial resources to support the rights of African women.
Get to know the women who are a part of this wonderful work by tracking the tag #SongsforHer, #Sheroes, on twitter– where we’ll be posting profiles of the incredible women featured on Sheroes.
To read more about Sheroes, please click HERE
To get your copy of the Sheroes album please click HERE
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Nous sommes ravis de partager l’album surnommé #SHEROES. Il contient diverses musiques produites avec amour par des artistes extraordinaires venus de toute l’Afrique. L’album SHEROES représente la force et la diversité des femmes africaines. Les artistes présentées ont généreusement fait don de leurs chansons pour soutenir notre travail. Il représente la force et la diversité des femmes africaines et met en vedette des artistes qui ont généreusement contribué à cet album pour soutenir notre travail.
Commandez votre copie dès maintenant et faites partie de notre campagne!!! Vous obtiendrez votre propre copie de cette compilation de musique et contribuerez à transformer la vie des femmes africaines.
La musique a ce pouvoir de changer et de transformer pleines de choses de façon incroyable. De part le passé et à travers les révolutions et les empires, elle a aidé les gens à avoir une vision du monde qui souvent les relie et les met au défi.
Pour cette raison, AWDF, à travers l’album SHEROES nous rappelle non seulement de la puissance de la musique, mais rend aussi hommage aux femmes africaines pour leurs résistances et leurs capacités à transformer leurs vies et leurs communautés. SHEROES sert également à sensibiliser le public sur le travail de l’AWDF et à mobiliser des ressources financières pour défendre les droits des femmes africaines.
Nous publierons les profils des femmes artistes incroyables de notre album SHEROES. Pour les connaitre donc, suivez le hastag #SongsforHer et #Sheroes sur twitter.
Cliquez ICI pour en savoir plus sur SHEROES,
Cliquez ICI maintenant pour obtenir une copie de l’album SHEROES dès maintenant
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AWDF Leadership and Governance Programme; unlocking great potential in Women’s rights organisations
AWDF Leadership and Governance Programme; unlocking great potential in Women’s rights organisations
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AWDF grantee partner, Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) blazed the trail when they won the “Outstanding CSO of the Year” award at the 2018 Sierra Leone NGO awards held in Freetown on December 13, 2018.
CGG is one of our grantees to benefit from the AWDF two-year coaching programme on leadership and governance targeted at CEOs, Executive Directors and second level management. AWDF believes that strong leaders and organisations provide the backbone for social change and development and therefore places a high premium on investing in both individual leaders and governance frameworks of African women’s rights organisations. Out of the Leadership and Governance Programme, CGG has been able to contribute immensely to the promotion of human rights, women’s political empowerment and good governance in Sierra Leone.
From mobilising women as active voters, training female candidates and first time voters, to recruiting a new executive director, CGG has taken the lead to reposition the Women’s Form and the All Political Party Women’s Association (APPWA) as effective social movements to champion women’s issues in the country.
Receiving the award, Executive Director Marcella Samba-Sesay acknowledged the work of the CGG team and thanked the organisers for recognising the work and contributions of the organisation in Sierra Leone. “This (award) is a stepping stone and motivation to do more and CGG will always work with the values for which it was established,” she added.
The Sierra Leone Business, CEO, Leadership and NGO Awards recognise leaders pioneering the reforms, rapid modernisation, consolidation, integration and expansion of Sierra Leonean enterprises, public institutions and promoting socio-economic growth across the country and beyond. This is the third annual ceremony presented at a gala dinner in the capital which is organised by a consortium of national and international organisations.