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Women and women-led organisations continue to make a positive impact in underdeveloped communities, however women’s contributions are frequently overlooked, particularly those at the grassroots level that strive to raise critical funds and resources to improve their communities.
In response to the need for deeper and contextual knowledge, and to foster enabling networks using this knowledge, we have launched the Women in African Philanthropy Initiative as a vehicle where we will learn from and celebrate the historic, modern and emerging role that women play in philanthropy in the continent. This project is intended to give African women a platform to define and conduct their giving in their own way.
The Initiative will commission research and host engagement programmes and platforms that elevate women’s philanthropic participation across the layers of class, language, race, religion and nationality. Women in philanthropy from across the continent will be brought together to form a network and a space where their agency is respected and recognised, where they can interact and learn from each other, and where they can access opportunities to scale up their programmes and projects.
One of the Initiative’s projects will be to establish a hub that will heighten the visibility of women by bridging the gap in research and facilitate collaboration and networking for women’s giving circles. The hub will provide a platform for women to share their vision, work and strategy orientation among others.
Programme Manager Thandi Makhubele says, “The project is a powerful initiative that seeks to empower women as leaders and change-makers in Africa. We aim to build a more equitable and just society for all through our research, networking opportunities, and support for women-led initiatives. We believe that when women come together to give, they have the power to transform their communities and create a brighter future for generations to come. We invite all who are interested to join us in this important work.”
The launch of the initiative took place on Monday 29 May as a hybrid event. Click here to read the reflection of this event, and to watch the recording.
We are grateful to the women who generously shared their messages of solidarity to the vision of the Initiative. Click here to listen to these messages.
