EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is pleased to present its 2022 Annual Report, which highlights the organization’s key achievements over the past year.

FAWE remains dedicated to promoting gender equity and equality in education throughout Africa, and this year’s report details the various initiatives and programs that have contributed to this goal. One of our primary achievements over the past year was the successful implementation of the FAWE Mastercard Foundation Scholars program. A number of students from both Ethiopia and Rwanda not only completed their education and graduated, but also recorded outstanding performance in their institutions. FAWE was also able to once again partner with the Mastercard Foundation to kick off the Imarisha Msichana (equivalent meaning to “Build Up the Girl’) 2-year programme aimed at ending teen pregnancy in Kenya.

Martha R.L Muhwezi Executive Director

In a bid to improve access to education for vulnerable and marginalized girls, including those in conflict-affected areas, FAWE revived and re-launched FAWE South Sudan which had for years become dormant after the South Sudanese civil war. Through partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, we were able to make progress and ensure that FAWE’s goal of providing access to quality education and training reached the girls and women of South Sudan.

In addition, FAWE continued to advocate for policy changes and investment in education, including increased funding for girls’ education and the integration of gender-responsive approaches into education systems.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years, FAWE was able to adapt and continue its important work, including the development of innovative digital platforms and tools for remote learning.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our partners, donors, and supporters for their continued support of our mission. We remain committed to working towards a future where all African women and girls have access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Acknowledgements

The FAWE 2022 Annual Report was conceptualized and developed by the Regional Secretariat (RS) led by the Executive Director, Mrs. Martha R.L Muhwezi. The Regional Secretariat would like to thank the FAWE Executive Board, for providing strategic guidance and support in the past year. We would also like to thank each of our 34 National Chapters for their time, energy, contribution and enthusiasm towards advancing women and girls’ education in Africa.

FAWE is grateful for the financial support provided by various partners, including the Mastercard Foundation, Echidna Giving, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Netherlands (Dutch Government) through the Make Way program and the Break Free Alliance, the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa through International IDEA, the Ford Foundation, the French Embassy in Senegal, the Foundation Paul Gerlin Larjoie (FPGL), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), UNESCO, EDUFAM, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Karanta Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and UNICEF.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire FAWE Regional Secretariat team for the successful implementation of the programmes outlined in this report. We also extend our appreciation to Teresa Omondi - Adeitan, the Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes, for her overall guidance and support. Special thanks go to Emily Buyaki, Communication Officer, Beverly Mumbo, Programme Officer and Cynthia Barasa, Programmes Assistant for their dedicated work in producing this report. The team has captured invaluable lessons and addressed issues that are crucial to the education and empowerment of girls and young women in Africa. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge and thank our alumni for their valuable contributions and support in the creation of this report.

It is my great pleasure to introduce the 2022 Annual Report for the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE). Over the past year, FAWE has made significant strides in advancing education for women and girls around the world.

We appreciate that education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of economic and social development. However, women and girls still face significant barriers to accessing education, including poverty, discrimination, and societal norms that prioritize boys’ education.

FAWE is dedicated to breaking these barriers and fostering a world where every woman and girl can attain quality education. Through our extensive range of programs and initiatives, we have exerted unwavering efforts to empower women and girls, enabling them to unleash their full potential. In this report, you will find a detailed account of our achievements over the past year, including the impact of our educational programs, our advocacy efforts, and our partnerships with like-minded organizations. You will also find inspiring stories of the women and girls whose lives we have touched through our work.

Our remarkable achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our exceptional staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. I am profoundly grateful to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and steadfast commitment to our mission. Your invaluable contributions have touched the lives of countless individuals and have paved the way for a brighter future. From the depths of my heart, thank you.

As we gaze into the horizon of the future, our unwavering commitment to building a world where every woman and girl can access education and unlock their boundless potential only grows stronger. It is our heartfelt desire that this report ignites a spark of inspiration within you, motivating you to unite with us in this crucial endeavour. Together, let us embark on this transformative journey and shape a future where dreams know no boundaries.

Acronyms

ACERWC African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

AFECN Africa Early Childhood Network

AU African Union

CCG Country Coordinating Group

CEO Chief Executive Officer

CESA Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25)

COVID-19 Corona virus disease of 2019

CSE Comprehensive Sexuality Education

CSO Civil Society Organization

ECE Early Childhood Education

ENAI Ewang’an Nadede Advocacy Initiatives

FAWE Forum for African Women Educationalists

FAWEK FAWE Kenya

FCDO Foreign Commonwealth Development Office

GES4CESA Gender Equality Strategy for Continental Education Strategy for Africa

GIMAC Gender is my Agenda Campaign

GPE Global Partnership for Education

GRP Gender Responsive Pedagogy

HEAC Higher Education Access Certificate

HEAP Higher Education Access Programme.

INGO International Non-Governmental Organizations

KICC Kenyatta International Conference Center

MTR Mid-term review

MYE Meaningful Youth Engagement

NC National Chapter(s)

NCHE National Council for Higher Education

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

RS Regional Secretariat

SAT Southern Africa Trust

SHARE Sexual Health and Reproductive Education

SRGBV School Related Gender Based Violence

SRHR Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights

STEM Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics

TVET Technical and Vocational Educational and Training Organization

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund