PARTNERSHIPS & DEVELOPMENT

UAF-Africa is committed to leveraging resources that benefit women human rights defenders in Africa. Through strategic partnerships we galvanise resources to advance women’s rights and build effective social justice initiatives that aim to puncture patriarchal systems that hold women back. Guided by feminist principles and values, we build relationships that advance women’s rights, advocate for women’s equality, not only as a matter of human rights, but also as a fundamental prerequisite for social change, global security, and sustainable peace.

Our partnership and development portfolio seeks to expand the reach and impact of on-going efforts in advancing UAF-Africa’s focus areas by utilising social marketing, strategic communications, resource mobilisation and donor engagement strategies in ways that consolidate relationships, support innovative ways in which partners could work together, not just bilaterally but in robust ways that bring greater value to women’s rights movement in Africa.

As an activist Fund, we identify ourselves as one among a community of diverse actors working for women’s human rights, women’s access to opportunities and their positioning to lead social change.

1. Governance

Africa has moved away from civil war as the defining feature of its civil and political landscape. There are less than 5 major conflicts on the continent, yet even as countries go for elections and move towards democracy, complex forms of conflict, violence, intolerance and exclusion simmer below the surface. We support initiatives aimed at scaling up and maintaining women’s full involvement in governance in all sectors of society.

2. Women as change agents

There has been much written about the value to entire communities of women in leadership. We recognize leadership in diverse forms, in public and private spheres and the significance of inclusive leadership in shaping healthy societies. The Programme supports leadership within the 21st Century African context that embraces a paradigm shift away from the patriarchy and derivative structures that are built on stereotypes and exclusion. We look to work with actors that believe in leadership in Africa for Africa and by Africans in the 21st Century at rural and urban levels, public and private spheres; intellectual and practical levels; corporate and philanthropic sectors; among others.

3. Body politics (sexual reproductive health & rights; bodily integrity)

Sexual and reproductive health and rights remains one of the most emotive issues in Africa and the world over. Arguably, it is the most prominent site for the domination and power struggle that is inherent in patriarchy. We believe in addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights from a health, rights, culture, democracy, societal and individual level.The Programme supports the building of a strong movement for women’s human rights and ultimately for democratic, equitable and just societies in Africa. We support initiatives that ensure women are equal actors in various sectors that shape society.