I cannot agree more! @awdf01 has nurtured us all, guided our steps and funded very critival actions across Africa. 26 years seems too small compared to the immeasurable impact she has had.
We toast to more years of even greater impact!
We toast to more years of even greater impact!
She’s a Good Big Sister to Have!
You know that feeling of having a big sister you’re immensely proud of? One who has gone ahead of you, done well, set a great example, and made you believe that you, too, can do great things?
That’s how we felt about the @awdf01 when we started @CivFund_ seven years ago.
As we were finding our feet, we wanted to get things right. So we reached out to sister funds across the continent, seeking their advice, learning from their experiences and gleaning their wisdom.
And where did we start?
Where else but with our big sister, AWDF, Africa’s first pan-African feminist fund!
And our big sister was gracious!
They shared their wisdom generously. They offered nuggets of advice that we took to heart. They gave us insights that helped shape our thinking and practice.
Seven years later, as I reflect on CivFund’s journey, I am grateful that we had such a big sister to learn from.
AWDF has shown us what is possible when African women are trusted to lead and resource change.
They have done the hard work of building an institution, staying true to their feminist politics, resourcing those often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy, and demonstrating that African institutions can be both principled and effective.
And they have done this for 26 years!
That is no small feat.
For those of us who have come after them, AWDF’s success is also our encouragement. Their example gives us something to aspire to, while their generosity reminds us that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own.
And isn’t that what a good big sister does? She goes ahead, shows you the way, shares what she has learned, and cheers you on as you find your own feet.
As AWDF celebrates its 26th anniversary, we celebrate with immense pride and gratitude.
Our big sister has done well. She has made us proud. And she has made the path a little easier for those of us following behind.
Here’s to the next chapter, AWDF!
Keep showing us what’s possible!
#AWDFTurns26 #AfricanPhilanthropy #FeministPhilanthropyView quoted post on X
