About AWOD

The African Women of Distinction Project profiles the lives of twenty women in Africa who embody the essence of leadership, determination, and innovation in addressing social, economic and political issues at local, national, and international levels. This is the first of several editions of this project.

Neema Mgana, social entrepreneur and founder of ARYI , along with Amanda Koster, documentary photographer and filmmaker, sent a callout for nominations of African Women though hundreds of international list serves, inviting community members to nominate women for the project. Mgana and Koster have also recruited volunteers throughout Africa and the world (presently numbering over 100) who will mobilize the projects energy and message in their own communities.

The African Women of Distinction Project will collect the nominations of these incredible women; select 20 and then photograph, film, and record interviews. Ultimately the project will consist of a book, documentary video and radio/pod casts telling the stories through multiple mediums of these amazing women. The media content will be available for as a variety of tools; exhibition, newspapers, screenings, tv/radio broadcast series, school curriculum, etc., tools that will inspire young people to make smart choices and realize their dreams.

Now more than ever it is vital to share the amazing stories of African Women.

This project will illustrate the realities of ‘real’ women, and thus dispelling popular stereotypes of women in Africa while also serving as examples of leadership to bring hope to girls and young women in Africa and people around the world.

Stay tuned for updated posts from partners around the world who are collaborating on this project!