Tag: AWDF

[tp lang=”en” not_in=”fr”]AWDF will be launching its new 5-year strategic plan 2011 – 2015 shortly. As part of the strategic plan, AWDF is reworking its grant making thematic areas. The six new thematic areas are:

• Women’s Human Rights

• Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods

• Governance, Peace and Security

• Reproductive Health and Rights

• HIV/AIDS

• Arts, Culture and Sports

Guidelines are being developed for each of the thematic areas and will be uploaded on AWDF’s website and various communication outlets on completion. A new schedule for grant applications will be published at the same time. Therefore, we are asking potential grant applicants to wait until after the thematic guidelines and the grant processing schedule are published before submitting any further applications. AWDF will not be processing new grants applications until that point.

Meanwhile we will continue to process applications that we have already received and duly acknowledged, which have increased enormously over the past year.

Please watch out for the publication of the guidelines and the grant processing schedule. We look forward to working with both new and old partners on these new exciting thematic areas.

Theo Sowa

Interim Chief Executive Officer

AWDF[/tp]

[tp lang=”fr” not_in=”en”]AWDF lancera son nouveau plan stratégique de 5 ans de 2011 à 2015 sous peu. Dans le cadre du plan stratégique, AWDF retravaille sa subvention en faisant des domaines thématiques. Les six nouveaux domaines thématiques sont:

• Les droits des femmes
• Autonomisation économique et les moyens de subsistance
• Gouvernance, paix et sécurité
• Santé génésique et les droits
• VIH / SIDA
• Arts, Culture et Sport

Les lignes directrices sont en cours d’élaboration pour chacun des domaines thématiques et seront téléchargables sur le site Internet d’AWDF et différents points de vente de la communication sur l’achèvement. Un nouveau calendrier pour les demandes de subvention sera publié en même temps. Par conséquent, nous demandons aux demandeurs potentiels d’attendre que les lignes directrices thématiques et le calendrier de traitement de subvention soient publiés avant de soumettre d’autres applications. AWDF ne sera pas le traitement des nouvelles demandes de subventions jusqu’à ce point.

En attendant, nous allons continuer à traiter les demandes que nous avons déjà reçues et dûment reconnus, et qui ont considérablement augmenté au cours de l’année écoulée.

S’il vous plaît attention à la publication des lignes directrices et le calendrier de traitement de la subvention. Nous sommes impatients de travailler avec les nouveaux et les anciens partenaires sur ces nouveaux domaines thématiques passionnantes.

Theo Sowa

Directeur général par intérim

AWDF[/tp]

In April, Zee and l set off on a trip to Zimbabwe and Malawi to monitor women’s organisations that have received grants from AWDF in the last 3 years. Preparations for this visit started in February amidst mixed feelings of anxiety and fear especially about visiting Zimbabwe. There were also additional challenges including some difficulties communicating with grantees in a timely manner, visa issues, and then came the big one; a mix up of Zee’s name on her air ticket two days to our departure.

Having overcome all the hurdles, we were set for Harare. We had no particular expectations of Zimbabwe. Why? Because we relied so much on negative media hype about Zimbabwe and Uncle Mugabe. On the 10^th of April 2011 our plane landed on the territorial borders of Zimbabwe. Wow! It was simply breathtaking, the airport better than most stable African countries l have been to. The green vegetation, the organised city, tarred roads, clean environment, the infrastructure, the warm people; l was just overwhelmed by most of the things l saw. I had a blank mind about what kind of infrastructure to expect, l was highly prejudiced by western media hype and all the negativities about how collapsed the state is.

Unlike most African countries l have been to, we didn’t have to go through the problem of converting dollars into local currency, thanks to the “dollarisation” of the Zimbabwean dollar, it was simply transactions made easy! You could transact business in US dollars anywhere, anytime. Hey but it also had its bad side, we had to deal with getting rid of the extremely old notes by making sure that all of it was used up in Zimbabwe. No bank will accept the over used tired looking US dollar notes from Zimbabwe and obviously not AWDF’s finance department. The other is the issue of change in smaller notes or shillings which were just not available. Be ready to receive your change in the form of coupons or asked to take some sweets at the payment counter! As for the high cost of living we are better off not talking about it, again it is not comparable to any Africa country l have visited. But again it is understandable because of the long economic blackout the country has faced from 2000.

Our Monitoring & Evaluation visit to Zimbabwe encompassed 18 0rganisations including Hope for Africa Katswe Sisterhood, Women in Law in Southern Africa Research and Education Trust (WLSA Zimbabwe), The Women’s Trust (TWT), Creative Centre for Communication and Development (CCCD) and Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe (WFOZ). Most women’s organisations visited in Zimbabwe are just awesome and braving the odds to make impact. Their resilience and determination are encouraging and admirable.

“We find creative ways of making women’s voices heard around GBV issues whilst protecting their identity using the mobigater during the tense moments here” said Gertrude Pswarayi of CCCD.

These organisations have weathered the storm of the long economic crisis, the “dollarisation” of the local currency as a result of the high inflation that have led to most organisations having ‘zero account balances’, the political polarisation of activities and the insecurity around freedom of speech. These organisations are still surviving, passionate about their work and hopeful of a brighter future amidst the political uncertainties. As aptly stated by Luta Shaba of the Women’s Trust,

“We will continue to work on and pursue issues around women political participation and the legitimisation of women in political spaces because in these political spaces critical issues around development and women are made. It is a hostile environment but we will not relent in our efforts”.

Most of these organisations work on issues such as women’s access to land, inheritance rights, political participation of women, access to justice, HIV&AIDS and sexual reproductive rights of women. As an African woman l am proud to be part of these organisations in their struggles and rage to empower women economically. I feel inspired by their fortitude and l want to encourage and support them as l look forward to replicating the lessons learned from Zimbabwe for the benefit of other countries.

By: Nafi Chinery

Capacity Building Officer, AWDF

Background

The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), an Africa-wide fundraising and grant making Africa foundation based in Accra, Ghana requires the services of a Programme Assistant to be responsible for front desk services.

Job profile: The post holder will serve as an initial point of contact for AWDF, receive and disseminate information and coordinate internal and external communication. She will work closely with the Administrative Assistant, Programme Officers in the Grants Department and the entire staff of AWDF. Preference will be given to candidates who are bi lingual in French and English, although ability to speak French is a desirable, but not essential employment criteria.

Duties for the person at the front desk

A) Serve as an initial point of contact at the front office

• Welcome visitors
• Provide basic information to callers
• Take messages, screen calls, transfer calls, and answer questions
• Open, record and distribute mails
• Assist with photocopying, and support colleagues in other departments during peak periods
• Keep the reception area tidy and well maintained
• Support the Administrative Assistant and provide back up to her

B) Give support to the Grants Department:

• Assist with inputting data into the Grants Information System
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Grants Manager

Person Specification:

The prospective applicant should hold secretarial qualifications with a relevant degree or HND. Additionally, the person must have the following competencies:

• Oral and written fluency in English language
• Strong organizational , written and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage time effectively with the multi-tasked front desk
• Strong computer skills especially Microsoft Office
• Highly professional, adaptable to change and able to work independently
• Has good judgment, willing to take initiatives and able to work well under pressure
• Has knowledge and experience of modern office procedures
• Able to pay high attention to details
• Ability to adhere to tight deadlines
• Ability to work effectively with the organisation’s partners and stakeholders
• Flexible in adapting to changing work parameters

Willingness to work outside normal working hours when required

The selected candidate will in many instances be the first person that visitors to AWDF see and speak to. For this reason it is crucial that any applicant to this position believes firmly in and reflects the values of AWDF. Applicants to this role must be passionate about women’s rights.

Please note that as part of AWDF’s commitment to furthering the leadership of women, this position and all programme vacancies are restricted to women applicants. Candidates must be living in Accra and legally able to work in Ghana

Her Excellency Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, First Lady of Ekiti State, Nigeria and President of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) has been presented with the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of philanthropy. The presentation was made at the Synergos University for a Night event held at the Times Centre in New York, USA, on 5^th April 2011. The event also honoured Peter and Jenniffer Buffet, Co-Chairs of the NoVo Foundation.

The David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award is in recognition of the leadership, commitment and dynamism that H.E Bisi Adeleye Fayemi has demonstrated in over two decades of working to create a better world for women and girls in Africa. That work includes her co-founding and leadership of the African Women’s Development Fund, the establishment of the African Women’s Leadership Institute and numerous contributions to women’s rights in Africa and globally.

Helen LaKelly Hunt, (philanthropist, founder of the Sister Fund and co-Chair of Women Moving Millions), Peggy Dulany (Founder and Chair of Synergos), and David Rockefeller Sr. jointly presented the award to H.E. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, who was described as “bold, inspirational and savvy”.

Accepting the award, H.E. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi said, “Women’s narratives of oppression, suffering and exploitation can be changed to stories of triumph, success, dignity and respect if we are able to provide women with the spaces and tools they need so they can make the kind of choices that set them on the road to freedom.”

On the 17th of March 2011, AWDF’s President Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi delivered the Centre for Democracy Development’s flagship annual public lecture on the topic, “Democratisation and Women in Africa-Progress, Stagnation and Retreat”.

The audio of the full lecture can be accessed here Bisi’s speech at CDD

Location

Chicago, IL preferred, but not required

Reporting Relationship

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The African Women’s Development Fund USA (AWDF USA) is a 501c(3) organization created to raise visibility and financial support in the United States for The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) based in Accra, Ghana. AWDF is a grant-making organization that supports women’s organizations across the continent of Africa. Over the past 10 years, AWDF has made grants totalling more than $16M US to 800 women’s organizations in over 43 African countries. Please see africlub.net/awdf for more information.

This is a new position and the first paid position of AWDF USA. Prior to this time, the work of AWDF USA has been done by volunteers and a short-term consultant. This position will be supported by a part-time bookkeeper and administrative assistant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

AWDF USA seeks an Executive Director (the “ED”) that will enable the organization to be strategic and influential in a rapidly changing and demanding global environment. The ED is responsible for creating and advancing AWDF USA’s mission and vision. The ED is also responsible for the overall management of AWDF USA and the implementation of its policies. This individual reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for keeping the Board engaged and informed so that they can fulfill the governance responsibilities entrusted to them. Specifically, the ED will be responsible for Fundraising, Marketing, Finance and Administration, Management and Leadership, Communications and External Relationships, and Board Relations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have a strong track record of proven leadership ability and be capable of juggling many priority projects working independently. This individual should possess the capacity to assess, analyze and design strategic organizational structures, programs and processes and handle the organization’s day-to-day operations.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the challenges facing start-up global organizations and possess the creative vision to address these challenges effectively. The ED must be a strong decision-maker, facilitator, inspiring leader, and passionate advocate who can effect change where it is needed.

Specific previous experiences and qualifications include:

• Passionate belief in the AWDF’s mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstrated commitment to the human rights of women and a global feminist perspective.
• Integrity and high ethical standards with a reputation for fairness and transparency.
• Strong sensitivity and commitment to cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual, and socioeconomic diversity.
• Demonstrated fundraising track record and experience in strategic marketing. The ability to compete for and win philanthropic support from individuals, foundations and corporations.
• Experience working with members of a Board of Directors with a history of strengthening proper governance guidelines and building the consensus necessary to ensure organizational success.
• Creativity and innovation in conceptualizing, identifying, and pursuing opportunities, partnerships, and resource development.
• Proven ability to create constructive partnerships among diverse constituencies, to strengthen consensus building, collaboration, and communication.
• Effective verbal and written communications, including excellent public speaking skills for formal and extemporaneous presentations and the ability to clearly and convincingly communicate the work and vision of AWDF USA.
• Working knowledge of international development, human rights, and the feminist movement internationally.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to use diplomacy effectively.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally.

EDUCATION

An undergraduate degree is required. A graduate degree in a relevant field of study such as global/international affairs or development, women’s/gender studies, human rights, law, non-profit management, international business, or MBA is highly preferred.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract outstanding candidates

To apply for this position, please send a letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to secy.awdfusa@gmail or to AWDF USA at 122 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60603 by 5pm CST on April 1, 2011.

Women of Substance is about the energy and commitment that African Women put into shaping Africa through their local, national and regional initiatives. In this abbreviated version of a 42 minute documentary produced by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF(, grantee organisations speak about the critical work and transformatory impact of AWDF’s funding and capacity building support in their lives for the past ten years.

Feminist activists featured include President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Margaret Dongo of Zimbabwe, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye of Ghana, the founders of AWDF (Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Joana Foster, Dr Hilda Tadria), Theo Sowa of Ghana/UK, Patricia Babiiha of Uganda, Siphiwe Hhlope of Swaziland and Prudence Mabele of South Africa.

To watch the abbreviated version of ‘Women of Substance’ please click here

A Snapshot of the African Women’s Development Fund at 10

The African Women’s Development Fund has been featured in the January 2011 edition of New African Woman. Please visit http://headley.co.uk/headturner/NAWwinter2010 to read the magazine online.

The following organisations have received grants from AWDF for a range of awareness raising activities on World AIDS day. These are: