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Greetings!
We have had politics on our minds at AWDF. Like many others around the globe we keenly followed Barack Obama's campaign in the U.S., and we have also had several debates, discussions and convenings on women's political participation.
Some of you may have attended 'The Great Debate' convened by AWDF at the recent AWID Forum in Cape Town. This was a lively debate which addressed the motion 'We have wasted our time pushing for more women in decision making positions, they have not made a difference'. At the end of the debate, the majority of participants in the audience disagreed with the motion but stressed the need for greater engagement between women politicians and the African Women's Movements.
Continuing with the 'Politics' theme of November, we feature in this month's e-newsletter the work of the 50/50 group in Sierra Leone. The 50/50 group advocates for gender parity within the Sierra Leone political system. I also share my thoughts with you on the question of 'Women in Leadership: Business as Usual?
A few days ago, the women and men of Ghana went to the polls in an election that is being closely watched by countries all across the globe. We wish Ghanaians a safe and peaceful election and would like to remind all political parties and individuals running for office to read 'The Women's Manifesto' published by our grantee partners Abantu for Development. This manifesto is also in 4 traditional Ghanaian languages so there is really no excuse for politicians to remain ignorant about what Ghanaian women want from politicians.
Enjoy this month's newsletter.
Sincerely,
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi
Executive Director
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EMPOWERING WOMEN IN SIERRA LEONE: THE STORY OF THE 50/50 GROUP |
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Picture: Dr Nemata Majeks-Walker
No longer men in front
And the women at the back
But men and women walking/working
Side by side, side by side.
(A Song by Dr Nemata Majeks-Walker)
From the ruins of a decade long civil war that saw over 5000 deaths, thousands maimed and enormous destruction of property and infrastructure the women of Sierra Leone are seeking to rebuild their country using the democratic process to spur and sustain political and economic recovery. Among the civic activists most determined to rebuild Sierra Leone's shattered society are a group of women who created the 50/50 group. As described by founder and first president, Dr. Nemata Majeks-Walker:
"the 50/50 Group is a non partisan campaign for more women in politics and public life. We have a right to have 50 percent representation in parliament even though women constitute 52 percent of the population. It is our right and we will get it. "
In the words of past president Abator Thomas:
"you need other women who will help you to either get educated or articulate your own concerns, this was why the groups in all of Sierra Leone's 14 districts"
After the eleven years rebel war in Sierra Leone...continue reading 'Empowering Women In Sierra Leone' |
| WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: BUSINESS AS USUAL? |
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Picture: Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi
The women's movement across the African continent has done an excellent job of pushing for access of women to decision making. The case we have made is that the implications of women being excluded from decision-making are serious. It means if women do not have a voice where key decisions which affect their lives are made, then their capacity for full development and equality is severely limited. Women's involvement in decision-making contributes to redefining political priorities, placing new issues on the political agenda which reflect and address women's gender-specific concerns, values and experiences, and provides new perspectives on mainstream political issues. Without the active participation of women and the inclusion of their perspectives at all levels of decision-making...Continue reading 'Women in Leadership:Business as usual?'
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AWDF NEWS |
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THE HON OBOSHIE SAI-COFIE AND HON FREMA OSEI-OPARE COMMISSION AWDF'S NEW BUILDINGS
The African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) today commissioned its new buildings located at AWDF House, 78 Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon, Accra. The buildings were formally commissioned by Honourable Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Minister for Tourism and the Honourable Frema Osei-Opare, Deputy Minister for Manpower, Development & Employment. Special guests in attendance included His Excellency Musiliu Obanikoro, Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner and Nana Ama Yeboah, Dompiahene of Akuapem.
This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the life of the African Women's Development Fund. In 2007, AWDF launched an Endowment Campaign...continue reading 'The Hon Oboshie Sai-Cofie'
AWDF LAUNCHES 'AFRICAN FEMINIST ANCESTORS PROJECT'
On the 14th of November, 2008, AWDF launched the 'African Feminist Ancestors Project' at an evening reception hosted by AWDF and representatives from the African Feminist Forum, in celebration of African women's movements andfeminist activism. The 'African Feminist Ancestors Project' seeks to document the rich herstory of African women's struggles for autonomy and change. If you would like to contribute details of an African Feminist Ancestor to this project please email awdf@awdf.org
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The African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) is a grant-making foundation which supports local, national and regional organisations in Africa working towards women's empowerment. AWDF through institutional capacity building and programme development seeks to build a culture of learning and partnerships within the African women's movement.
The vision of AWDF is for African women to live in a world in which there is social justice, equality and respect for women's human rights. To this end, our mission is to mobilise financial resources to support local, national and regional initiatives led by women, which will lead to the achievement of this vision. AWDF funds women's groups across Africa working in the areas of Women's Human Rights, Political Participation, Peace Building, Health and Reproductive Rights, HIV/AIDS and Economic Empowerment.
AWDF has funded over 800 women's organisations in 41 African countries. AWDF's grants range from U$1,000- U$50,000, and multi-year grants of up to $120,000 can be made to grantees engaged in strategic work.
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