In an illuminating episode of the 6th African Philanthropy Conference podcast series, Professor Bhekinkosi Moyo reflects on one of the most overlooked yet powerful forces in Africa’s development story: women in philanthropy. Drawing from lived realities, historical practices, and research insights, he paints a picture of women as the true anchor of philanthropic life across the continent. “When we talk about philanthropy in Africa, we must recognise that women are the backbone of giving — they are the ones who hold families, communities, and entire informal systems together, even when no one is watching,” he explains.

Moyo stresses that African philanthropy has never been only about money. Rather, it is about solidarity, care, responsibility, and collective survival — domains where women naturally lead. “If you really want to understand philanthropy in Africa, start with the everyday — with the ways women share food, raise other people’s children, organise community responses, or even just hold families together in difficult moments. That is philanthropy,” he says.

Women as the Foundation of Africa’s Giving Architecture

Throughout the episode, Moyo emphasises the sheer breadth of women’s contributions:

• They organise stokvels and saving schemes.
• They drive social capital and community trust.
• They step into leadership during crises.
• They support the most vulnerable without expecting recognition.

He notes that women engage in philanthropy instinctively — because African life is communal and interdependent:

“Women give without needing to be asked. Their giving is consistent, generational, and deeply tied to community wellbeing. They mobilise time, skills, relationships, and emotional labour — which are more valuable than money.” Yet, despite this central role, women remain largely invisible in philanthropic research, funding, and recognition.

Why Women Must Be Recognised

The Director at CAPSI, Moyo, argues that the philanthropic ecosystem is incomplete without acknowledging women’s roles. Not doing so distorts the picture of how African societies function: “If the data does not count what women do, then the data is wrong. Women are the real infrastructure of care. Any definition of philanthropy that excludes them is incomplete.”

He adds that women’s contributions are essential for social justice, community resilience, and Africa’s development agenda:

“Women’s philanthropy is an engine for empowerment — not just for families but for whole communities.”

Connecting to Adɔyɛ: A Space Created for This Purpose

The themes raised in this dialogue closely align with Adɔyɛ, the Women in African Philanthropy Programme under CAPSI.

Adɔyɛ recognises what the podcast highlights:

• That women’s giving is diverse, historic, and structurally significant
• That their contributions exceed monetary value
• That African philanthropy must be defined by African women’s lived realities
• That solidarity, care, and community agency must be centred

Its core values — dignity, respect, care, diversity, and collaboration — directly mirror Moyo’s call for African philanthropy to centre women’s voices, leadership, and experiences.

The initiative also aims to:

• Build knowledge about women’s roles
• Foster networks and partnerships
• Advocate for more inclusive philanthropic practices
• Influence policy
• Strengthen the field through research, mentorship, and convening

Moyo’s reflections reinforce why such a programme is not only relevant but necessary.

A Call to Recognise and Join the Movement

As the episode makes it clear, African philanthropy cannot move forward without fully acknowledging the contributions of women.

“We cannot continue to overlook the people who have sustained our communities the longest. Women are not peripheral — they are central.” 

For those committed to strengthening this work, Adɔyɛ offers a pan-African home:

Join the Adɔyɛ Women in African Philanthropy Network:
https://capsi.co.za/women-in-african-philanthropy-registration/

Watch the Full Conversation

To hear Prof. Bheki Moyo’s full insights, reflections, and exact words, watch the complete episode here:

Prof Bheki Moyo | Ep. 143 | 6APC Series #14 – African Grantmaking Network | Women in Philanthropy
https://youtu.be/Gl-MN1XkIr4?si=M8-YOn3aDWQQjXoR