There is so much amazing work being done by the various networks GMT is privileged to partner with… far too much to include all of it in a single newsletter. So, in this section we are highlighting just a few activities from some of the New Faces New Voices country networks, with links at the end of the section to interviews with a few other network leads. Look out for highlights from other networks in the next edition of The Catalysts.
Networksâ news – New Faces New VoicesÂ
With networks in multiple countries on the continent, we are proud of each one tackling country specific issues head on. As a result, they are making a tangible impact in promoting women’s leadership in financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship. Through strategic initiatives, conferences, and mentorship programmes, these networks are driving significant economic growth in their respective regions.
Nigeria
Key appointment strengthens women’s leadership and financial inclusion in Kano State
Aisha Debola Aminu, the Country Director of NFNV Nigeria, was appointed on in July, to the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairsâ committee. This appointment is a crucial step in advancing the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in Nigeria, reinforcing the stateâs commitment to enhancing womenâs leadership and financial inclusion.
Mrs. Aminu is one of the committee members appointed by the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, led by Hajiya Aisha Saji, to implement the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE).
Supporting women entrepreneurs through digital platforms
Following the Women in Leadership and Financial Inclusion (WiLFI) Summit, 39 women entrepreneurs from the NFNV-Nigeria launched their businesses on the Kasuwa24.com platform. This initiative exemplifies the use of digital tools to help women entrepreneurs, with more participants expected to join soon.
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Cross-Border Trade and Digital Finance
During a Digital Financial Inclusion and Women in Cross-Border Trade conference held in Lagos earlier this year, NFNV-Nigeria highlighted the challenges women face in cross-border trade and the transformative impact of technology. Country Director Aisha Debola Aminu emphasised the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in West Africaâs economic growth, driven by their resilience and creativity.
Zimbabwe
Mentorship programme for financial inclusion
In May 2024, NFNV Zimbabwe hosted the Lead Circle Mentorship Programme in Harare. This strategic initiative aimed to enhance the visibility and influence of African women in the financial sector. Dr. Lucia Mandengenda, Chairperson of NFNV Zimbabwe, encouraged women to take on leadership roles and celebrated the achievements of women in finance. Find out more here.
UgandaÂ
Africa Firestarters workshop: Catalyzing business growth
In June 2024, NFNV Uganda’s Africa Firestarters workshop made a significant impact by equipping women entrepreneurs with critical skills in sales and marketing, essential for scaling their businesses. The workshop, led by Dr. Theopista Sekitto, equipped women SMEs with actionable growth strategies. It emphasised creativity, innovation in product development, and effective marketing, which have already started enhancing their businesses’ market presence and sales performance. Read more here.
RwandaÂ
Congratulations to NFNV Rwanda, one of our newest networks, on successfully implementing impactful projects that support women entrepreneurs.
Seizing AfCFTA Opportunities for women entrepreneurs
During the 5th COMESA Federation of Women in Business Conference, Joy Rwamwenge, NFNV Rwanda Lead, highlighted the significant opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She urged women entrepreneurs to capitalise on these opportunities by specialising in areas where they hold a comparative advantage, enhancing regional value chains and competitiveness.
Photo: NFNV-Rwanda Country Lead Joy Rwamwenge moderated the session
Supporting women-led MSMEs
NFNV Rwanda remains active on the ground, for example, providing coaching to women living with disabilities who own MSMEs. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to prepare women-led businesses for investment readiness, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a competitive market.
Photo by NFNV- Rwanda: Â Joy Rwamwenge, the New Faces New Voices Rwanda Lead, with Reeta Roy, President of Mastercard Foundation and other participants pictured at the showcase at the showcase.
Photo: NFNV Rwanda hosts women with disabilities who own MSMEs, eager to adopt best practices for transitioning their businesses to investment readiness.
Also, here is a spotlight on women leading change: Inspiring stories from some of our networks
- Financial inclusion: A conversation with Dr. Theopista Ntale Sekitto
- How Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi is Transforming Africaâs Media Landscape
- Forging Strategic Alliances: Maureen Sumbweâs Journey with the Graça Machel Trust
- Charity Mandishona is championing women’s economic contributions in her community
The Trust supports and mobilises civil society networks on issues of ending child marriage, ending violence against children, ending female genital mutilation and promoting childrenâs rights, to carry out advocacy and action across Africa. Special focus is placed on Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia where child marriage continues to be a problem largely driven by poverty, gender inequality, harmful traditional practices, conflict, low levels of literacy, limited opportunities for girls and weak or non-existent protective and preventive legal frameworks.
Education is a fundamental right for all children, which is also a vehicle for social, economic and political transformation in communities, countries and the African continent at large. Recent studies indicate a lack of progress in some of the critical commitments aimed at improving education quality, access, retention and achievement, particularly for girls. In most African countries, girls may face barriers to learning, especially when they reach post-primary levels of education. By implementing multi-dimensional approaches to education which includes core education, personal development, life skills and economic competencies, the Trust partners with funding partners, governments, civil societies and the private sector to improve education access.
The Nutrition and Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition, (RMNCAH+N) of the Childrenâs Rights and Development Programme aims at promoting the Global Strategy for women, children and adolescentsâ health within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda. The strategy emphasises on the importance of effective country leadership as a common factor across countries making progress in improving the health of women, children and adolescents.
Through its Early Childhood Development (ECD) plan, The Trust will seek to put into action the new science and evidence Report that was presented by Lancet Series on Good and early development – the right of every child. This will be achieved by mobilising like-minded partners to contribute in the new science and evidence to reach all young children with ECD. The Trustâs goal is to be a catalyst for doing things differently, in particular, to rid fragmentation and lack of coordination across ECD sectors. In response to evidence showing the importance of political will in turning the tide against the current poor access and quality of ECD. Even before conception, starting with a motherâs health and social economic conditions, the early years of a childâs life form a fundamental foundation that determines whether a child will survive and thrive optimally.