Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA)

Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) is an international, Pan-African, non-governmental organization dedicated to the development, empowerment, and leadership of African women. Founded in 1985, AMwA has its headquarters in Kampala, Uganda, and works across Africa to address the diverse needs of African women through training, advocacy, and networking. The name “Akina Mama wa Afrika,” translated from Swahili, stands for “Solidarity among African Women,” reflecting the organization’s deep-rooted principles of sisterhood and empowerment.

A Brief History of AMwA

AMwA began as a small, community-based organization in the UK. It was established to provide a platform where African women—many of whom were migrants and refugees—could organize autonomously, share skills and experiences, and address issues affecting their lives. The foundation of AMwA was critical to giving African women a voice, enabling them to advocate for their rights and concerns from their unique perspectives.

What AMwA Does

1. Leadership Development and Advocacy AMwA is committed to nurturing and enhancing the leadership skills of African women. It achieves this by offering training programs that focus on feminist and transformative leadership. These initiatives help women become powerful advocates for social justice and gender equality.
2. Networking and Coalition Building Creating networks and alliances is a core component of AMwA’s mission. By facilitating coalition-building among African women, the organization helps to amplify their voices and influence policy-making at local, national, and international levels. AMwA actively engages with various advocacy networks, such as the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR), to strengthen women’s rights across the continent.
3. Programs and Campaigns AMwA leads various campaigns and programs targeting key areas such as economic empowerment, health, education, and sexual and reproductive rights for African women. These initiatives are designed to tackle the structural inequalities that African women face and build a more equitable society.
4. Digital Presence and Thought Leadership AMwA maintains a strong online presence to connect with the broader community and advocate for women’s rights. You can follow their work and thought leadership on their social media channels:
   • LinkedIn
   • Twitter (X)
5. Publications and Research The organization also produces extensive research and publications on issues affecting African women. These resources aim to build awareness and inform policy discussions on women’s rights, leadership, and development in Africa.

Why AMwA Matters

For nearly four decades, AMwA has played a pivotal role in empowering African women. Its mission of solidarity, advocacy, and development has had a profound impact on gender equality across Africa, nurturing generations of African women leaders and change-makers.

FAQs

1. What is the primary goal of Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA)?
AMwA aims to develop and empower African women through leadership training, advocacy, and coalition-building, fostering a sisterhood that advances gender equality and social justice.

2. Where is AMwA based?
AMwA’s head office is located in Kampala, Uganda, although its work extends across Africa and engages with global networks for women’s rights.

3. How was AMwA founded?
AMwA was founded in 1985 as a community-based organization in the UK, focusing on creating a space for African women migrants and refugees to network, organize, and advocate for their rights.

4. How can I engage with AMwA?
You can learn more about AMwA’s work, support their initiatives, or get involved by visiting their official website. Follow their activities and advocacy efforts on their LinkedIn and Twitter (X) channels.

5. What programs does AMwA run?
AMwA runs diverse programs focusing on leadership development, advocacy, economic empowerment, health, education, and sexual and reproductive rights for African women. For more details, visit AMwA’s Programs Page.