AWOD Name Changed to AWOE

Since July of 2006, nominations have been coming to us and we have began the reviewing process! It has become apparent that an underlying theme about the stories of these remarkable women is that they are change agents empowering their communities and countries. For this reason, the African Women of Distinction (AWOD) project is changing its name to African Women of Empowerment (AWOE) Project. The mission has stayed the same, as have the web site, blogs and email address; we have only replaced “Distinction” with “Empowerment”.

By changing the name we felt that we were including ALL women in the project, even those that won’t be featured in the final project. I know it will be difficult for our Selection Committee to narrow down to just 20 women!

Thank you for your continued support and we will have more updates very soon, including the names and stories of the 20 women!!

--
DJ Bradley
Seattle, WA USA
AWOE Intern

Woman Awaken To Yourself

Stand Up Now
Walk Forward Today
Your Mantra Is Strength And Courage
The Handcuffs You Imagine
Are Now Ones Of Your Own Making
You Hold The Key For Opening And Releasing

Decide Your Dreams And Goals
Moment By Moment
Step By Step
Bring That Scared Tiny Self Into Today
The Today Of The Woman You Have Become

Your Hips Sway With Rhythm
Your Blood Runs Like A Flowing River
Your Voice Is A Finely Tuned Instrument
Your Smile Is A Beacon For Others

Woman Awaken To Yourself
Say “I love You” To Your Reflection
Strength And Courage Is Your Mantra
The Handcuffs Are Off
Dance To The Rising Sun
Twirl
Twirl
Twirl

Copyright Joana Ukali 2006 All Rights Reserved
joanaukali@aol.com

Aritcal About African Women

Paper sees “Red” over Africa’s struggles and dreams African women produce 70% of the continent’s food and work two-thirds of its working hours, but they own less than 1% of the property and earn only 10% of the income, The Independent writes in this story detailing some of the many struggles facing Africa’s women. This article is one of several Independent stories in its “RED” series, where half of the paper’s proceeds Thursday go to the Global Fund. Also read how Western garbage is harming Africa’s environment, how a Millennium Village Project in Kenya is making a difference, and about the many good things, including music and literature, that make Africa proud. The Independent (London)

The Women’s UN Report Program & Network features AWOD

AWOD was mentioned on the Women’s UN Report Program & Network. We are honored to be included on their list-serve. We hope this announcement will reach African Women far and wide. Thank you!

A little about this organization:

The Women’s UN Report Program & Network (WUNRN) is a non-governmental organization to implement the conclusions and recommendations of a United Nations Study on Freedom of Religion of Belief and the Status of Women From the Viewpoint of Religion and Traditions (E/CN.4/2002/73/Add.2). This study is a major, universal, comprehensive U.N. approach to intolerance and discrimination against women based on religion and traditions.

To strengthen the nexus between women’s rights and freedom of religion or belief, it is important to build on the Juridical and Factual Aspects of this study by research, plans of action and practical projects. WUNRN, together with The Tandem Project, is committed to this objective through support for the dignity and fundamental rights of women everywhere, and by the promotion of tolerance and the end of discrimination against women based on religion and traditions.

“Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom peace and justice in the world”

U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

About Some of the Interns

We are presently reading over so many applications for internships. Here are just a few examples of the incredible passion and timelines the project has uncovered, we feel had to share this with you all:

…. I would be interested in bringing my country to the playing field as I believe that we need to encourage the women who relentlessly fight to make our african nations a better place for the future generations but are not acknowledged.

Olusola Sobanjo (Nigeria)

I am not sure what it (the internship) entails but anything that mentions Women Leadership is close to my heart. It is my conviction, and I strongly agree, with the UN Secretary-General, that Africa will only develop when women play a leadership role. I am a professional auditor in formal employment and with a young family, but I am glad that this realisation has come to me now. At 33, I see a big opportunity for me to educate other women of the important role they must play to make a difference in society.

Jane Mukabi (South Africa)

I live in a community where the majority of the population lives in absolute poverty resulting from different aspects in life. One of which is ignorance causing more problems whereby individuals cannot properly manage what they have as well as knowing how to get what they need. Women in Cameroon as well as most countries in Africa make up the largest number of victims who fall in the underprivileged group. Cameroon is made up of about 230 tribes with different languages and cultures, and these have much impact on women in Cameroon resulting to a lot of discrimination. Though there are some similarities, differences are most prominent in areas concerning inheritance, education, marriage and religion.

From the stand point of my dedication, hard work and innovative spirit, I believe that equipped with the skills from the program, my contribution to coordinate a women’s leadership program in Cameroon which is my home country would be substantial and far-reaching. I would be able to transfer the knowledge acquired back to my home country Cameroon for dissimilation especially to my group and other women’s groups/institutions in the country.

Isabella Zout (Cameroon)

Thank you everyone!
Amanda Koster

Intern News!

Exciting update that 111 individuals applied for the Internship position with the Women of Distinction project. Interns have applied from all parts of Africa, including from Senegal, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and the DRC. All interns will be instrumental in national leadership activities promoting women’s role in development on the continent, including working with national and international partner organizations in their countries.

There has been a great interest from the media to conduct interviews with AWOD staff and interns, including from the BBC and the United Nations media outlets. These interviews will be conducted starting next week. We hope that all interns will be available for media outreach over the next 6 months.

Much appreciation to Laura Fortinsky and DJ Bradley for their hard work in coordinating these internships.

Thank you,
Neema

Neema Mgana
Founder
African Regional Youth Initiative

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!