When fundraising for women and gender led initiatives we find that the money needs to be chased, the money needs to be convinced, the money needs to be influenced and the money needs to be aligned to our values. We will do all these things but we will not lose our integrity.
The most significant learning for me this year: In March 8th 2024 International women’s day I lost my Father. I wondered how I would in future celebrate this day whilst harbouring sad thoughts. However as I continue to heal and reflect on this, I recognise that my Father raised three girls without fear or favour. He taught us to pursue our passions and to stand up for ourselves.
Photo: Mrs. Rosalind Chakava, Andia’s mother (left), the late Dr. Henry Chakava, Andia’s father (center), and Andia Chakava (right).
I draw parallels to my own experience. Raising capital for underserved and underestimated women entrepreneurs continues to be tough but rewarding when we recognise that investing in women delivers a triple impact- in the business, in the home and in the community. The nurturing aspect of women makes this organically possible. Good things take time and systemic change happens incrementally and intentionally.
So investing in our future women leaders to generate a reasonable return with a sustainable purpose will continue to be our WHY.
Another big lesson us that one person can make a difference:
If you are the one person that doesn’t give up on a cause because it is hard you encourage others to keep trying
If you are one person that believes capital doesn’t need to be overpriced due to risk misconception you attract capital that believes in this too
If you are the one person that knows our credit assessment process can be more responsive to the needs of early growth stage enterprises you attract partners willing to explore possibilities
If you are the person that sees women deserve a seat at the decision making table you are prompted to design your own table
You can be the one person that effects change and triggers a movement.
The Trust supports and mobilises civil society networks on issues of ending child marriage, ending violence against children, ending female genital mutilation and promoting children’s 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 Children’s Rights and Development Programme aims at promoting the Global Strategy for women, children and adolescents’ 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 Trust’s 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 mother’s health and social economic conditions, the early years of a child’s life form a fundamental foundation that determines whether a child will survive and thrive optimally.