Tag: Africa
Three African Heads of State, Head of UN Women to Headline Major Business Investor Conference on Africa’s Emerging Markets and Investment
Three African Heads of State, Head of UN Women to Headline Major Business Investor Conference on Africa’s Emerging Markets and Investment
Please click AAI Business Roundtable Media Advisory (final) to read
Catalytic Philanthropy and Funding for Women’s Organisations in Africa
Catalytic Philanthropy and Funding for Women’s Organisations in Africa
In May this year, I found myself in an inspiring and thought-provoking event in Los Angeles, USA. It was the annual summit for Women’s Funding Network, and the theme was “Women Economics and Peace”. It was a most refreshing experience for me. This was mostly on account of the worth and quality of the presentations done during the event, and I share a particularly stimulating one with you today.
It was a presentation by Jeff Kudash on “Catalytic philanthropy to collective impact- How funders effect large scale systemic change’’, which led me subsequently to read the article “Catalytic Philanthropy”, written by Mark R Kramer. This article discusses why the traditional approach to philanthropy cannot possibly be effective in the long term and highlights the need to paradigm-shift to catalytic philanthropy. Reading Kramer’s article brought to mind some challenges I had observed over the years, working in Fundraising and Financial Management at AWDF, and led to this desire to share my understanding of Kudash’s presentation, Kramer’s article, and their mutual relationship to the challenges hounding women’s organisations in Africa.
Traditional vrs Catalytic Philantrophy
In traditional philanthropy, what happens is that women’s organisations apply for funding from donors; the donors decide which women’s organisations to support, and how much money to give. What this means is that, the organisations are responsible for devising the solutions to their idetified social problems. However, considering the size and the budgets of most of these organisations working on women’s issues, they persistently face a lot of project and financial limitations, even though they are able to help thousands of people in need.
This is because generally, women’s organisations on the African continent tend to have a low institutional capacity. Some attribute this low capacity to the fact that the organisations do not have the required resources to attract and retain the necessary qualified staff, which eventually renders them inefficient. They are also not financially sustainable, partly because a lot of donors do not provide enough core support, but rather, prefer annual funding to medium-to-long term ones that consider three to ten year commitments. As a result of this challenge to secure long term funding, women’s organisations tend to spend a lot of their time, energy, and resources looking for financial resources rather than focusing on their key objectives, which ultimately makes them ineffective.
Additionally, a lot of women’s organisations tend to work alone, using strategies that they deem fit, with very little opportunity to learn from one another’s best practices, to develop the clout to influence government, or the scale to achieve national impact. This means that however generous the donors, or hardworking the staff, there is no assurance that these underfunded, non-collaborative, and unaccountable approaches of these countless women’s organisations will actually lead to workable solutions for large-scale social problems:
“The contributions of conventional traditional donors and the good work of effective women’s organisations may temporarily improve matters at a particular place and time but they are unlikely to create the lasting reforms that the African society so urgently requires. (modified from Kramer’s article)
Catalytic Philanthropy is therefore proffered as the new approach to philanthropy, already being practiced by some donors with great benefits and impact. These exceptional donors are acting differently, using these four approaches:
1. Taking responsibility for achieving results
Catalytic philanthropists have the ambition to change the world, and the courage to accept responsibility for achieving those results. This emphasizes the fact that funders have a more influential role to play than merely supporting these organisations. Foundations and corporations have the clout, connections and capacity to make things happen in a way that most non-profits do not, and by getting directly involved and taking personal responsibility for theory results, they can leverage their personal and professional relations, initiate public-private partnerships, import projects that have proved successful elsewhere, create new models, influence government(s), draw public attention to an issue, coordinate the activities of different non-profits, and attract fellow funders from around the world. All these powerful platforms are dissolved when donors confine themselves to writing cheques.
2. Mobilising campaign for change
Catalytic philanthropy stimulates cross sector collaborations, consequently mobilising stakeholders to create shared solutions. Funders should therefore seek and engage others in compelling campaigns, empowerment of stakeholders, and creation of collaborative and innovative tools. This is because systematic reforms require relentless and unending campaigns which galvanize the attention of the many stakeholders involved, and unify their efforts around the pursuit of common goals.
3. Using all available tools
Catalytic philanthropists use all tools available for the creation of change, including unconventional ones, and ones external to the non-profit sector such as corporate resources, investment capital, advocacy, litigation and even lobbying.
4. Creating actionable knowledge
Catalytic philanthropists gather knowledge; they create actionable knowledge to improve their own effectiveness and to influence the behaviour of others. Actionable knowledge is one that can impact government spending, and is not limited to compiling and analyzing data. In this same vein, funders must not rely solely on grant applications and grantees for information about social problems they are tackling, but must look beyond, answer their own enquiries through research, and have a broad perspective of the issue(s) at hand rather than focusing narrowly on it in financial terms. The information must also carry emotional appeal to capture people’s attention, and practical recommendations to inspire them to action.
In conclusion, women’s organisations on the African continent need more catalytic philanthropists than traditional philanthropists. These catalytic philanthropists can be institutional funders, corporate institutions or individuals who exhibit the four attributes highlighted above, and can work with the women’s organisations to continuously build their capacities, commitments, communications, connections, networks, and to learn from each other so as to create the large-scale lasting solutions we all want to see. And we do need lasting solutions.
Gertrude Annoh-Quarshie
The Finance Manager
AWDF (African Women’s Development Fund)
… THE GROUND BENEATH OUR FEET BREATHES
… THE GROUND BENEATH OUR FEET BREATHES
It’s been raining heavily in Ghana since late noon yesterday, the weighed-down clouds drenching the eastern and finally arriving in the southern half of the country early this morning. Even now, the weather is still very overcast and there is a constant baby-shower of rain. It is as if Mama Earth is projecting an aggregate of the vibes coming from all over the world today – World Environmental Day, June 5.
It is as if she is saying, “I am here.” In the current state of the environment, the earth, and the climate in the preparations leading to Rio+20, it is as if she is letting us know that she is with us – watching, waiting and hoping. Yet what a half century of exploitation, commercialization, and inconsideration it has been! Should you hop onto a satellite high above earth, and compare the forest/plant cover, the shorelines, the desert areas, the waterbody-volumes all over the continent, of 50 years ago with those now, the depletion is over 60%.
Concerned? We are most alarmed about the current state of the environment of the continent. This is not simply due to the increasing agricultural and resource challenges slowly strangling us day by day, but also because in Africa, it is women who bear the brunt of most disasters, suffer most, and work hardest – and in the global scheme of things, it is Africa that is usually at the receiving end of most environmentally dangerous products and activities from the rest of the world. This equates to African women being the ultimate recipients of the consequences of these events, whichever angle we analyse it from. Do we know what women represent in the circle of life? If we do, then this should be a very frightening state of affairs for each and every one of us!
These reasons are mostly why in 2007, we took the decision to make the African Biodiversity Network one of our biggest grantees, investing major funds into their biodiversity-environmental-sustainable arch of activities from then till now. The ABN’s pioneering initiatives have done much and continue to preserve important, sustainable ecological knowledge and practice. Please take a look for yourselves what this wonderful institution is doing for Africa!: ABN Healing Africa. And when you’re done, find out about Mphatheleni Makaulele, one of ABN’s women partners from South Africa, and the amazing initiatives being run by her Mupo Foundation.
Words defy us, ABN and Mupo! Words defy us, all African stalwarts fighting against the influx of disastrous products, groups, activities, and institutions that have been gnawing away at Africa’s foundations and lifestyles and threatening to turn our continent, a haven of life, hope, ingenuity, and sustenance; the cradle of civilization and great personalities, into a barren land!
Women of Africa join ABN, Mupo Foundation, and other partners in their efforts to re-heal what we have wounded and scarred, pledging to work towards a more hopeful future for our continent. Plant a tree today, make a donation to our Grantees, and do something environmentally friendly today (and every day!).
Little seeds make mighty trees. Happy World Environment Day, Africa!
Golda Addo (AWDF Communications Associate)
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence: AWDF supports 20 African women’s rights organisations to carry out activities in 14 African countries
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence: AWDF supports 20 African women’s rights organisations to carry out activities in 14 African countries
The following organisations have been supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) to carry out a range of activities in support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign. Grantee partners for 2011 are:
Centre for Legal Rights Education, Advocacy and Development (CLREAD) | Kenya |
Christian Women Child Ministries (CWCM-Uganda) | Uganda |
Childolescent and Family Survival Organization – Women’s Rights Action Group (CAFSO-WRAG) | Nigeria |
Women’s Initiative for Self-Actualization (WISA) | Nigeria |
Kikandwa Rural Communities Development Organization (KIRUCODO) | Uganda |
Echoes of Women in Africa Initiative (ECOWA) | Nigeria |
Malawi Human Rights for Women with Disabilities | Malawi |
Oromia Development Association | Ethiopia |
Defence of Human Rights and Citizen Rights – Tanzania Chapter | Tanzania |
Lokiaka Community Development Centre | Nigeria |
Creative Centre for Communication and Development (CCCD) | Zimbabwe |
Guidance and Counselling Development Association (GCDA) | Nigeria |
Justice for Widows and Orphans Project | Zambia |
Conscience International (CI) | Gambia |
SOS Femmes en Danger | DRC |
Reseau SOS Femmes en Detresse (SOS FED) | Burundi |
Association Femmes Artisanes de la Paix (FAP) | DRC |
Forum for African Women Educationalist (FAWE/Benin) | Benin |
Organisation des Femmes Actives de Cote d’Ivoire | Cote d’Ivoire |
Movement contre les Armes Legeres en Afrique de l’Ouest (MALAO) | Senegal |
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence commences on 25th November and ends on 10th December. Globally, women’s rights activists use this period to draw even more attention to the violence that women face on a day to day basis. This year’s theme, From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women highlights the issue of militarism and its violent repercussions for women and girls.
During this campaign period, AWDF will also join in an international tweetathon alongside its international partners. Follow @awdf01 via twitter for more updates.
Grants Awarded for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence
Grants Awarded for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence
AWDF has awarded grants to the following organisations to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
They are:
ABANTU for Development-NIGERIA | Nigeria |
Actions pour la Re insertion Sociale de la femme | Democratic Republic of Congo |
Association des Femmes pour le Developpement de la Cuniculture | Benin |
Association Odjougbo | Togo |
Association pour le Reinforment des capacities des Communes (ARCC) | Mali |
Association Wendinyalgde | Burkina Faso |
Centre d’Appui a la Production de la
Femme Rurale (CEPROFER) |
Democratic Republic of Congo |
Cercle d’Aide Femme- Enfant | Togo |
Coast Women in Development (CWID) | Kenya |
Creative Centre for Communication and Development (CCCD) | Zimbabwe |
Gender Violence Survivor Support Network (GVSSN) | Ghana |
Guidance and Councelling Development Association | Nigeria |
Jumuiya Women Group (JWG) | Kenya |
Kagisano Society- Women’s Shelter Project | Botswana |
New Liberian Women Organisation/Skills Training Centre | Liberia |
Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre (NORSAAC) | Ghana |
Pro-Hope International (Gambia) | The Gambia |
WA AFRICA | Guinee |
Zenab for Women in Development | Sudan |
African Grantmakers’ Network (AGN) Coordinator
African Grantmakers’ Network (AGN) Coordinator
[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]Responsibility: Coordinate the African Grantmakers’ Network
Reports to: AGN Steering Committee
Liaises with: Member-organizations of AGN
Location: The coordinator will preferably be based within one of the AGN member organizations, but other locations may be considered.
Specific Responsibilities
Working under the supervision of the Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the steering committee of the AGN, the consultant will provide dynamic coordination of the network. Specifically, he/she will:
- Efficiently manage and coordinate the core activities of the AGN, which include research and publications on philanthropy in Africa, advocacy for an enabling policy environment, peer learning and exchanges, workshops and convenings, and other membership services.
- Take initiative in developing and implementing innovative ideas and plans to enlarge and sustain the network.
- Develop and implement plans for raising the visibility of the AGN as well as building broad support for it.
- Prepare reports and serve as rapporteur at steering committee meetings.
- Work with the steering committee to build and strengthen collaborations between the AGN on one hand and philanthropy networks, forums and organizations elsewhere in the world on the other.
Qualifications and Skills
- Degree and at least 5 years of experience in philanthropy, outreach, and network building.
- Proven experience of managing membership organizations and networks.
- Good understanding of international development work
- Proven ability to function independently, take initiative and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, with prompt follow-through, careful attention to detail and an ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other fundraising tools.
- Strong public-speaking skills, fluency in English and French (oral and written), and excellent knowledge of communication and advocacy strategies.
- Sound judgment and commitment to AGN’s core values of collaboration, accountability and efficiency.
Background on the African Grantmakers’ Network
The Africa Grantmakers’ Network (AGN) was established in July 2009 in Accra, Ghana, as a collective of African grantmaking institutions. The main goals of the AGN are to:Serve as a platform for peer learning and good practice to enhance good standards and practices.
- Amplify local voices in development discourse and African perspectives in global platforms.
- Reinforce the tradition of African philanthropy.
- Advocate for long-term and sustainable support, including investments and endowments for African philanthropic institutions.Serve as a reference point for Africans in the Diaspora and affirmation of the identity of African philanthropic institutions.
- Cultivate productive relations with other civil society formations in Africa and increase networking for effective advocacy around the aid agenda and the legal environment, including the tax regime.
- Conduct pertinent research and capacity building to advance the field of African philanthropy.
How to Apply
To apply, please email resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to info@trustafrica.org. No phone calls or recruiters please. Deadline for applications: July 30, 2010.
The African Grantmakers’ Network is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and individuals from Africa are encouraged to apply.
View this announcement online at http://bit.ly/agncoordinator.[/tp]
[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]Responsabilité: Coordonner le réseau de l’subventionneurs africaine
Rapports au: Comité directeur AGN
Assurer la liaison avec: les organisations membres de l’AGN
Lieu: Le coordinateur sera de préférence basé au sein de l’une des organisations membres de l’AGN, mais d’autres endroits peut être envisagée.
Responsabilités particulières
Travaillant sous la supervision du Président et Co-président du comité de direction de l’AGN, le consultant assurera la coordination dynamique du réseau. Plus précisément, il / elle devra:
- Gérer efficacement et de coordonner les activités de base de l’AGN, qui incluent la recherche et des publications sur la philanthropie en
- Afrique, le plaidoyer pour un environnement politique favorable, l’apprentissage par les pairs et d’échanges, d’ateliers et de convocations, et d’autres services aux membres.
- Prendre l’initiative dans l’élaboration et la mise en œuvre des idées et des plans pour agrandir et de soutenir le réseau innovantes.
- Élaborer et mettre en œuvre des plans pour accroître la visibilité de l’AGN ainsi que la construction d’un large soutien pour elle.
- Préparer des rapports et de servir en tant que rapporteur lors des réunions du comité de pilotage.
- Travailler avec le comité de direction pour construire et renforcer les collaborations entre l’AGN sur les réseaux, forums et organisations d’une part et de la philanthropie ailleurs dans le monde de l’autre.
Qualifications et Compétences
- Diplôme et au moins 5 ans d’expérience dans la philanthropie, la sensibilisation et le renforcement du réseau.
- Une expérience avérée de la gestion des organisations associatives et les réseaux.
- Bonne compréhension des activités de développement international
- Aptitude avérée à fonctionner indépendamment, prendre des initiatives et de gérer plusieurs tâches simultanément, avec un suivi rapide grâce, attention aux détails et une capacité à respecter les délais.
- Excellentes compétences informatiques et la connaissance des applications Microsoft Office, y compris Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, et d’autres outils de collecte de fonds.
- Solides compétences de parole en public, la maîtrise de l’anglais et du français (oral et écrit), et une excellente connaissance des stratégies de communication et de plaidoyer.
- Jugement et engagement envers les valeurs fondamentales de l’AGN de collaboration, la responsabilisation et l’efficacité.
- Renseignements généraux sur le Réseau des subventionneurs africains
Le Réseau «subventionneurs Afrique (AGN) a été créé en Juillet 2009 à Accra, au Ghana, en tant que collectif des institutions subventionnaires africains. Les principaux objectifs de l’AGN sont les suivants:
1. Servir comme une plate-forme pour l’apprentissage par les pairs et de bonnes pratiques pour améliorer les bonnes normes et pratiques.
2. Amplifier les voix locales dans le discours du développement et les perspectives africaines dans les plates-formes mondiales.
3. Renforcer la tradition de philanthropie africaine.
4. Avocat à long terme et un soutien durable, y compris les investissements et les dotations pour institutions.Serve philanthropique africaine comme un point de référence pour les Africains de la diaspora et de l’affirmation de l’identité des institutions philanthropiques africains.
5. Cultiver des relations productives avec les autres formations de la société civile en Afrique et d’accroître le réseautage pour un plaidoyer efficace autour de l’agenda de l’aide et de l’environnement juridique, y compris le régime fiscal.
6. Mener des recherches pertinentes et le renforcement des capacités pour faire avancer le domaine de la philanthropie africaine.
Comment appliquer
Pour postuler, s’il vous plaît envoyer CV, lettre de motivation, et un échantillon d’écriture pour info@trustafrica.org. Pas d’appels téléphoniques ou les recruteurs vous plaît. Date limite pour les applications 30 Juillet 2010.
Le Réseau des subventionneurs africains est un employeur d’égalité des chances. Les femmes, les minorités et les personnes originaires d’Afrique sont encouragées à postuler.
Voir cette annonce en ligne à http://bit.ly/agncoordinator.[/tp]