Why Leadership Matters
The struggles faced by the organisations that once supported Vongai are not unique to her community—they are echoed across the entire continent. The challenges facing women and girls in Africa—such as limited access to healthcare, unequal educational opportunities, and economic barriers—are deeply rooted in long-standing societal norms. As Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050, these issues will only become more pressing and widespread.
While organisations like CAMFED and Girls Not Brides show the incredible impact of investing in girls, many local leaders lack the resources needed to sustain their work. Leaders face burnout and overwhelming challenges due to limited support. Without proper investment, these critical organisations risk collapsing, just like the ones that had supported Vongai.
Our Theory of Problem
At AFWAG, we believe that insufficient investment in gender-focused local leaders and organisations driving gender equality efforts hinders the collective progress towards achieving gender parity across the continent. Supporting these leaders and their initiatives is crucial for sustainable progress. Although research indicates that locally-led efforts are up to 80% more effective, these leaders face significant obstacles.
Effectiveness of Local Leadership
Despite evidence that initiatives led by local leaders are up to 80% more effective in achieving sustainable gender equity outcomes, due to their deep understanding of cultural and social dynamics, these leaders often lack the support and resources they need (Journal of International Development Studies, 2021).
Importance of Strong Leadership
Organisations with strong leadership have a significantly higher chance of surviving beyond five years, essential for long-term commitment to gender equity. Yet, the development of such leadership capacities is frequently overlooked (McKinsey & Company, "Non-Profit Resilience: Leading Through Times of Change," Harvard Business Review, 2019).
Need for Organisational Capabilities at all levels
Many organisations driving gender equity face challenges in developing the necessary operational and strategic capacities to sustain their efforts. Without sufficient investment in these areas, their potential impact is limited, and long-term progress toward gender equity remains at risk. Addressing this gap is essential for fostering resilient organisations that can drive meaningful and sustainable change.(Adapted from: "Gender Equity and Development: Effective Capacity Building in organisations," Global Development Research, 2022).
Value of Supportive Networks
Leaders in gender-focused initiatives often operate in silos, isolated from peers who face similar challenges and understand the intricacies of this work. This lack of a supportive network can lead to inefficiencies and burnout. Without strong, collaborative networks, these leaders struggle to share resources, strategies, and emotional support, which are essential for sustaining their efforts. (Source: "Building Effective Networks for Gender Advocacy," Leadership for Equality Journal, 2023).
Our Theory Of Change
At AFWAG, we believe sustainable progress toward gender equity requires a holistic approach that empowers leaders, strengthens organisations, and builds interconnected networks. Our theory of change centres on three key pillars:
Leadership Development for Long-Term Change
We invest in leaders at all levels, recognising that strong, resilient leadership is crucial for creating lasting change. Our programs provide the training, support, and resources necessary to equip gender equity leaders to lead effectively within their communities.
Local Solutions for Systemic Change
Our partnerships with local leaders prioritise solutions that are deeply rooted in the cultural and social contexts of their communities. We blend local knowledge with global insights to drive systemic changes that are both impactful and sustainable.
Building a Collaborative Network for Collective Impact (Mushandirapamwe Spirit)
At the core of our strategy is the belief in collective leadership. Our Mushandirapamwe spirit guides us in building a robust, interconnected network where leaders and organisations collaborate, share resources, and support one another. This network amplifies the impact of every member, creating a powerful force for change across Africa. By nurturing this collective strength, we ensure that no leader works in isolation and that together, we can achieve far more than any one organisation could on its own
Through these strategic investments, we aim to create a future where organisations and leaders across Africa can sustain their efforts, overcome barriers, and continue advancing gender equity on a broad scale.
