Welcome to the Jumuiya Women Fund (JWF) Annual Conference—an exciting gathering that brings together East Africa’s leading grantmakers, philanthropists, grantees, civil society organizations (CSOs), and feminist activists. On 5th and 6th December 2024 at the Sirikwa Hotel, Eldoret City, Kenya, we will embark on two transformative days of dialogue, collaboration, and strategy-building, guided by the theme: “Influencing Feminist Philanthropy: Movements Building and Advocacy.”

This conference offers a unique space to explore feminist philanthropy’s potential to address gender inequalities, foster women-led movements, and drive social justice. It is not just another event; it is a critical step towards changing the funding ecosystem, ensuring women and girls’ voices resonate loud and clear in the corridors of decision-making.

Why This Conference Matters

As a convener of grantmakers, philanthropists, and grantees, Jumuiya Women’s Fund (JWF) is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and improving lives through feminist philanthropy. Our focus is on channeling resources directly to grassroots women’s organizations—organizations often sidelined from traditional funding structures but essential to promoting gender justice, combating inequality, and driving transformative change.

This year’s conference will feature dynamic sessions, thought-provoking panel discussions, and ample opportunities for collaboration. A special highlight is our in-depth exploration of how feminist-aligned funding can be used to build stronger, more resilient movements that challenge entrenched power dynamics and dismantle harmful practices.

Key Sessions

• Feminist Philanthropy and Movement Building: Engaging discussions on how strategic, feminist-centered funding can create lasting change.
• The Role of Grantmakers in Influencing Feminist Movements and Gender Responsive Philanthropy:   Insightful perspectives from donors and advocates who have reshaped philanthropic approaches to women’s rights work.
• Interactive Plenary Discussions: Opportunities to engage with experts, deepen collective knowledge, and forge partnerships.

JWF’s Role in Promoting Feminist Philanthropy

At JWF, our work is driven by a vision of “an empowered society where every woman and girl is free from gender inequality and socio-economic deprivation.” We achieve this by:

1. Funding Grassroots Women’s Organizations: We recognize the unique challenges faced by women-led movements and ensure they have the resources to thrive.
2. Building Networks and Strengthening Capacity: JWF empowers organizations to advocate for policy changes, lead innovative solutions, and influence both local and global dialogues.
3. Mobilizing Resources for Feminist Causes: Our strategic focus ensures local needs remain a priority while garnering international support for women’s rights and social justice.

Through this work, JWF plays a pivotal role in reshaping East Africa’s philanthropic landscape, championing not just the survival but the growth and success of feminist movements across the region.

Join the Conversation

This is more than a conference; it is a space for collaborative action. Together, we can dismantle harmful norms, challenge exclusionary funding practices, and create pathways to greater equality. Be part of a powerful movement that will define the future of feminist philanthropy and inspire generations of women and girls to come.

For further details  please [click here to access the concept paper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ws1qMctnO7ty-mkU4I_HBBQxMImIbxKC/view?usp=drive_link.