In a world where the narratives of women and girls often remain on the margins, Jumuiya Women Fund (JWF) has taken it upon itself to lead a transformative journey in East Africa. The upcoming convening, themed “Influencing Feminist Philanthropy: Movements Building and Advocacy,” is more than just an event—it is the culmination of years of JWF’s unwavering commitment to feminist values, gender equality, and the pursuit of sustainable solutions to socio-economic challenges. This convening represents a turning point, where feminist philanthropy is not just a trend but a movement with deep roots and the potential to redefine the funding ecosystem for good.

JWF’s journey began with a clear mission: to empower women and girls, confront inequality, and challenge the structural barriers that perpetuate poverty. Over the years, JWF has proven that a feminist lens is not just about inclusion—it is about transformation. Through their support for grassroots organizations, capacity strengthening, and advocacy, they have showcased that women-led solutions can reshape entire communities. Yet, despite these gains, the world of philanthropy has remained largely resistant to fully embracing feminist principles in its funding models. This is where JWF steps in, determined to make a mark of its own.

Organizing this convening is crucial because it will bring together the voices that need to be heard—the feminist activists, the community organizers, and the women-led organizations fighting for their right to resources. JWF recognizes that securing funding for feminist and women’s rights work has always been a challenge. The funding ecosystem is built on rigid structures, favoring large, established entities and often sidelining local movements and organizations. By convening key stakeholders from across the region, JWF is positioning itself to influence this system, fostering dialogue on how to make philanthropy more equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the realities of women and girls on the ground.

JWF’s role is not just about advocating for more money—it’s about advocating for better, more strategic, and more sustainable funding. Feminist philanthropy, in its purest form, is not charity; it’s solidarity. It seeks to dismantle the very systems that create inequality in the first place. By organizing this convening, JWF is taking a radical stance: it is demanding that feminist movements and women’s rights organizations are not just beneficiaries of the funding ecosystem but active shapers of it. This is a movement-building exercise, creating the space for feminist actors to define what progress looks like for them.

The importance of this convening cannot be overstated. As East Africa grapples with intersecting crises—climate change, poverty, gender-based violence—there is a pressing need for solutions that center the voices and experiences of women. JWF is clear-eyed about this. Through their mission, they have worked tirelessly to promote gender equality and improve lives. And now, by convening this gathering of thought leaders, activists, and donors, they are embracing their role as influencers, ready to push feminist philanthropy into mainstream conversations and action.

JWF’s ambition is bold: to see a future where every woman and girl in East Africa has the opportunity to thrive, free from the shackles of inequality. This convening is one more step in realizing that future. It is not just about reimagining philanthropy—it is about restructuring it, ensuring that feminist principles are embedded at every level. With this, JWF is making its mark, not just as a grant-making entity but as a force that will shape the funding ecosystem for generations to come.

In the end, what JWF seeks is simple: justice, equality, and a world where resources are available to those who need them most. By bringing together feminist leaders and philanthropic actors, JWF is laying the groundwork for a transformative shift—one that has the power to influence not only funding but the future of women’s rights across East Africa. And that is a legacy worth fighting for.