Introduction
Women in Africa play critical and diverse roles in philanthropy, but efforts to build narratives, develop knowledge, provide support, and advocate for them have not fully captured their contributions. There is a noticeable gap in research and initiatives focused specifically on understanding, supporting, and amplifying women’s multiple roles in philanthropy.
In response, Adɔyɛ (formerly known as Women in African Philanthropy) was launched as a programme within the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment. Adɔyɛ aims to recognize, understand, celebrate, support, and amplify women’s significant roles and impacts in all areas of philanthropy across Africa.
Adɔyɛ, which means “Love in Action” centres women in African philanthropy. This refers to (i) women who engage in everyday/organic giving of their resources; (ii) women who give of their resources to/through different community/civic/non-profit formations, (iii) women high net-worth givers and (iv) women professionals who work within or are academically engaged with African philanthropy. Our conception of “African” is pan-African, inclusive of the African diaspora. Our constituency is inclusive of women in all their diversities
Background & History
In late 2021, the Centre for African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) held a webinar titled Women and Philanthropy – the Feminisation of Philanthropy. Aimed at engendering a conversation with women at the Wits Business School, one of the emerging recommendations was the establishment of a network for women involved in different parts of philanthropy. Through consultations with partners and stakeholders as well as further consideration under a Fellowship at CUNY in 2022, the imperative for this work was deepened.
The initiative formally began in 2023, with a call for women active in the sector across the continent to share reflection messages, which would serve as the initial body of knowledge in framing the work. The initiative also launched a networking practice through a WhatsApp group. In May 2023 the Centre officially launched the Women in African Philanthropy Initiative, marking a significant milestone in the philanthropy support ecosystem in Africa. The Keynote address was delivered by Patience Zowa (Brave Girl Initiative – Eswatini), and a panel discussion involved Colleen Lowe Morna (Gender Links), Sibongile Mkhabela (Barloworld Empowerment Foundation), Mmamo Mohapi (Mott Foundation), and moderated by Halima Mahomed (CAPSI and TrustAfrica). This launch brought together a diverse group of people in person and online, contributing to a dynamic reflection ranging from interrogating definitional elements in terminology, language and framing to linking with concrete on-the-ground elements of philanthropy. A video of the launch, a brief and a summary of the discussions can be found here. The launch afforded a space for further engaging on this topic and helped to lay some of the grounding for how this work should evolve.
When we refer to “Women in African Philanthropy,” we include women who engage in everyday or organic giving of their resources, as well as those who contribute to or through various community, civic, or non-profit organisations. Enabling safety nets to asset building and reflecting the importance of collective solidarity that addresses complex and less quantifiable societal issues, women’s philanthropy is invaluable in supporting marginalised groups and advancing gender equity and social justice. It also includes high-net-worth women who are substantial givers and women professionals who are actively involved in or academically engaged with African philanthropy institutions. In this context, “resources” encompasses a wide range of contributions such as time, skills, expertise, social capital, assets, money, and other forms of giving. Our understanding of “African” is pan-African, covering both geographic and ideological dimensions, and is inclusive of the African diaspora.
Adɔyɛ operates as a programme of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), further aligning its mission with CAPSI’s broader goals of promoting effective and impactful philan– thropic practices in Africa. This affiliation enhances Adɔyɛ’s ability to leverage resources, networks, and expertise, while being ideally positioned to inform thinking within CAPSI’s other streams of work.
Our Values
Adɔyɛ holds at its core:
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- The diversity of pan-African philanthropic narratives, histories, and practices.
- That the multiple expressions of solidarity in philanthropy exceed monetary value.
- The importance of centering African agency, knowledge, perspectives, and lived experience in the process and content of knowledge creation.
- The importance of challenging narratives and practices that exist through interconnected and structural systems of privilege, power, and patriarchy.
- That all voices, perspectives, and contributions are equal, irrespective of background, status, affiliation, or orientation.
- That relationships must be rooted in dignity, respect, and solidarity.
- The importance of well-being and care as critical operational foundations.
- The importance of collective action and collaboration in advancing the work.
Our History
The seeds for the establishment of Adɔyɛ were planted in late 2021 when CAPSI held a webinar titled Women and Philanthropy – the Feminisation of Philanthropy. One of the emerging recom- mendations was the establishment of a network for women involved in different parts of philanthro- py. Through consultations with partners and stakeholders, as well as further consideration under a Fellowship at CUNY in 2022, the imperative for this work was deepened.
In 2023, the programme began explorations with a call for women active in the sector across the continent to share reflections to inform the work. The initiative also launched a networking practice through a WhatsApp group. In May 2023, the Centre officially launched the Women in African Philanthropy Programme.
Our work
Adɔyɛ’s work is guided by the following goals:
- Advance knowledge on the roles and contributions of women in African philanthropy and the practices that underlie these.
- Deepen understanding of the challenges faced by women in African philanthropy.
- Foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders within the philanthropic community.
- Strengthen the work of women in African philanthropy in advancing positive social change and justice-based transformations.
- Influence more inclusive policies and practices within, and related to, the philanthropic sector.
- Foster innovative research, and knowledge creation, and amplify good practice.
- Build a network of individuals committed to advancing the agenda of women in African philanthropy.
- Strengthen the field of women in African Philanthropy.
To strategically advance Adɔyɛ’s goals, we will prioritize the following:
Building Knowledge through academic and action-oriented research that informs practice
and contributes to publications, development of academic and practitioner-oriented curriculum, a senior fellowship programme to support critical reflection, writing, and knowledge sharing and a mentorship programme to nurture emerging leaders in women’s philanthropy
Fostering dialogue through the creation of networking spaces for Adɔyɛ constituencies; convenings to interrogate and deepen particular issues, strengthen the work of women in philanthropy and facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences and engagement with pan-African and global discussions that will help shape the narrative around women in African philanthropy and expand support for its ecosystem.
Cultivating Partnerships with philanthropic support organizations to foster collaborative action and initiate new partnerships with other allied organizations to address gaps and advance the work of women in philanthropy.
Advocacy to raise awareness via targeted campaigns and events; influence attitudes, perceptions, and practice through dissemination/discussion of research findings and inform development of supportive policies through targeted evidence-based insights.
Equiries & Support
For any enquiries or support related to Adɔyɛ, please reach out to us at: thandi.makhubele@wits.ac.za
