Publications

Women in philanthropy characterize a key feature of African philanthropy in that they go beyond financial help. They are often also willing to offer their time and expertise. It is also documented that their impact in philanthropy typically differs from that of their male counterparts due to their willingness to take on ‘harder’ issues; those that are less likely to be quantifiable for instance, or those that affect those at the margins of society. Women tend not to rely on the zeitgeist buzz when deciding what causes to take on, and thus are likely to have a more genuine impact. Despite this, women’s representation in philanthropy is still minimal or superficial in nature.

This booklet is a small step in correcting that. It’s a compilation of women who have put in years’ worth of philanthropic work to alleviate a varying amount of issues across the continent. They have offered time, expertise and even funds, and have mobilized others to do the same. I have had the pleasure of working with most of them in the span of my own career and I’ve been made better for it.

This is a compilation of articles as seen on our blog called Simulizi, created as part of APN’s knowledge production project. They are written by women across the African continent, that were identified through the Women Writing Program organized by APN in collaboration with AWDF. The pieces of writing cover varying topics all under the umbrella theme of African Philanthropy. Each writer offers a fresh perspective rooted in their respective geographical and social backgrounds, altogether making for a diverse and eye-opening reading experience as well as an accurate glimpse at our promising blog, Simulizi.

The easing of the COVID-19 induced lockdown is ongoing, and some sectors of the economy have recommenced operations. The curfew in the country was extended from 19:00hrs to 21:00hrs. Some shopping malls are now open, and they must comply with the COVID-19 standard operating procedures issued by the Ministry of Health. Public transport has resumed around the country.

Uganda is one of several countries in Africa, which have adopted legal measures constraining legitimate activities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including philanthropy organisations, through a myriad of laws.1 The legal framework in Uganda has encouraged government meddling in the sector, above and beyond regulation, while simultaneously building obstacles in the operational environment of CSOs. This legal framework violates commitments undertaken by Uganda under international and regional human rights treaties, in particular those related to freedoms of association, and assembly, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), both of which have been ratified by Uganda and provisions of which are also expressly provided for in the Constitution.