Alumna of the month

In the past, every time I heard about feminism, I would imagine a rude woman who went about ridiculing men and setting things on fire. However, I have come to learn that being a feminist means being the kind of person who cares that women are treated right and given…

Before the African Women’s Leadership Institute, I thought I had figured out who I was, where I was going, and what I wanted to be; I was wrong. I have since discovered a lot about myself. I recognized my values, strengths, goals and aspirations, as well as worked out my…

Joining the Feminist and Transformational Leadership Fellowship was a dream come true. I have always wanted to be part of the African Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI) to improve my feminist leadership and access more opportunities. I am extremely pleased that Akina Mama wa Afrika made this possible.   Read more... (251…

Earlier this year, I went through some tough moments that partly led me to a place of deep self-doubt. I became very vulnerable and dependent on a friend for my sustenance. So on a very hot afternoon, as I sipped on a glass of pot water that tasted like heaven,…

In high school, Susan always wished for girls to participate in leadership processes and influence decision making but the boys would not give them a chance, and male teachers did not make it any easier. She wanted to make sure that the girls had equal space and influence so she…

Having grown up in Bukoba rural district in Kagera region bordering Uganda, Lydia Wilbard is the current National Director at the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Tanzania. She is also a founding member of the Visionary Women Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCOS) and a Vice Chairperson of the…

Ashanut Okille is a lawyer and development practitioner with over fifteen years’ experience of supporting interventions that promote human rights, governance, gender equality, and institutional/organizational strengthening in Africa. Ashanut holds an LL.M, and is trained in Organization Development (OD), which gives her the unique ability to have both a sound…

Not only is she an advocate and policy advisor on trade, governance, and development issues in Africa, she is also passionate about changing Africa’s narrative and empowering young women to lead. Allen Sophia Asiimwe runs a regional consultancy firm- AVID Development Ltd (www.aviddevelopment.org); and is the co-founder of a global…

Likening herself to an elephant because of its excellent memory and ability to create strong bonds with fellow elephants, Nyambura Gathumbi is a Feminist activist and alumna of the African Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI), with extensive knowledge in women’s right advocacy, with specific focus on issues of marginalized groups. She…

"Sisterhood is important because after AWLI, I realized that nobody can work alone and achieve much. And as my grandmother once told me “one thumb can’t kill a mouse”. As women, we need sisterhood to create change. We must work together and support each other."