1.0 Introduction
These terms of reference serve as guidelines for developing a comic book on wealth taxes. Akina Mama wa Afrika has developed a comprehensive learning paper titled ‘A Pan-African Feminist Primer on Wealth Taxes!’ and is in search of a consultant with expertise in arts and comics to develop a visually engaging and informative comic book inspired by this paper. The goal is to promote the adoption and utilization of the knowledge shared in the learning paper by diverse actors, particularly indigenous, minoritized, and marginalized African movements, in the collective struggle for fair and gender-just taxation regimes.
1.2 About Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA)
Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) is a feminist Pan-African leadership development organization with headquarters in Kampala, Uganda. Our work is rooted in feminist principles and beliefs guided by the Charter of Feminist Principles for African Feminists which define our leadership development program and movement building activities. We envision a world in which African women are politically, economically, and socially autonomous and are champions of change in their lives and society. Our thematic areas of focus include Women’s Political Leadership, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Economic Justice and Climate Action. The organization’s work is advanced through feminist and transformational leadership development, feminist research and knowledge building, and policy influence and movement building. AMwA provides strategic direction in key Pan-African networks including NGO CSW Africa, Solidarity for African Women’s Rights, and the Gender Is My Agenda Campaign. AMwA also has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
2.0 Background
In the midst of escalating global inequality, the wealth of billionaires ascends by $2.7 billion on a daily basis, despite the fact that inflation surpasses the wages earned by a minimum of 1.7 billion workers. In addition, the COVID 19 pandemic has served as a rebound tumbler for millionaires catapulting billionaires’ fortunes to unprecedented heights. Their wealth has soared to unimaginable levels since the onset of the pandemic, rendering their previous years’ gains incomparable.
Given this context, proponents of wealth taxes have been advocating for governments to impose tax on wealth. This plea gained prominence during the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where global billionaires convened and issued a call to world leaders to address extreme inequality by introducing wealth taxes particularly amid the escalating cost of living. However, despite its outward appearance of progressiveness, the reality remains that our aspiration for wealth taxes cannot be realized within the current regressive tax system that places a significant burden of tax on the poor and also facilitates Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs).
The basic premise of wealth taxes is that individuals who have accumulated large amounts of wealth should be required to pay higher taxes, and that this revenue should then be redistributed. This can be in the form of an annual tax on assets or a one-time tax on wealth above a certain threshold levied based on the absolute value of an individual’s assets. Wealth taxation, when integrated into broader policy reforms, has the potential to transform societies and uplift marginalized communities, especially African women, from the burdens of inequality.
It is against this background that Akina Mama wa Afrika developed a learning paper titled ‘A Pan-African Feminist Primer on Wealth Taxes!’. The paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the concept of wealth and wealth tax from a feminist perspective, detailing a nuanced examination of wealth inequality from a Pan African viewpoint, alongside an insightful deliberation on how a wealth tax might tangibly contribute to creating a society that embodies principles of justice, equity and Ubuntu. Ultimately, it lays the groundwork for reimaging wealth taxation as a tool for reparatory justice and transforming power.
3.0 Scope of Work
3.1. Content Adaptation
The consultant will be responsible for adapting the content from the learning paper titled ‘Feminists for Wealth Taxes: A Pan-African Feminist Chronicle for Wealth Redistribution’ into a comic book format. This includes:
- Reading and understanding the learning paper.
- Identifying key concepts and messages that need to be conveyed through the comic book.
- Developing a creative narrative that effectively communicates these concepts.
- Drafting the comic book script, including dialogues and captions.
3.2. Artwork and Design
The consultant will be responsible for creating visually appealing and engaging artwork for the comic book. This includes:
- Sketching characters, scenes, and illustrations that align with the narrative.
- Ensuring the artwork is culturally sensitive and inclusive, espousing feminist ideologies.
- Creating a layout that flows well and is easy to follow.
- Incorporating graphics and visual aids to simplify complex data or concepts.
3.3. Feedback and Revisions
The consultant will collaborate closely with the Economic Justice and Climate Action programme team to incorporate feedback and make revisions as necessary. This may involve multiple rounds of feedback and edits to ensure the final product meets the desired objectives.
4.0 Deliverables
The following deliverables are expected from the consultant:
- A complete comic book manuscript, including all text and dialogue.
- High-quality artwork and illustrations for the comic book.
- A final, print-ready version of the comic book.
5.0 Duration of Assignment
The assignment will be undertaken for 10 non-consecutive days, from the date of contracting but before 31st October 2023.
6.0 Required Qualification, Skills, and Competencies
AMwA invites eligible and qualified individuals to indicate their interest in this project. Interested applicants are invited to submit their proposals, including a portfolio of relevant work, a brief concept outline for the comic book, and a detailed budget breakdown. The Consultant will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated experience in creating informative and engaging comic books or graphic novels.
- An understanding of key feminist principles
- Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
- Demonstrated ability to complete complex assignments in a timely manner and deliver quality results.
- Ability to understand complex technical content and translate it into accessible visual storytelling.
7.0 Application Process
Applications must be sent to: [email protected] . The subject line of the email should state: Development of a Comic Book on Wealth Taxes. Deadline for submission of applications is on 13th October 2023.
Applications should include:
- A cover letter stating your motivation and summarizing relevant experience
- Applicant’s profile and a sample of previous work in a related field
- Narrative and financial proposal
- Contact details of at least two independent referees with in-depth and proven knowledge of the applicant’s expertise in the field.
Please note: Only candidates who have been selected for interview will be contacted
