Our Theory of Change

Jumuiya Women Fund (JWF) envisions an empowered society in which every woman and girl lives free from gender inequality and socio-economic deprivation. Guided by this vision, JWF’s mission is to promote feminist philanthropy in East Africa through grant-making, capacity strengthening, and global resource mobilization to support Women and Girls Rights Organizations, Networks, Movements, and Social Enterprises. These efforts aim to achieve gender equality while tackling poverty, socio-economic deprivation and climate change.

The challenges indigenous women and girls face in East Africa stem from deep-rooted systemic gender inequality and socio-economic deprivation, which limit their ability to participate fully in society and reach their potential. These structural barriers are perpetuated by cultural, economic, and political systems that discriminate against women and girls, denying them access to essential resources and opportunities.

Jumuiya Women Fund (JWF) addresses systemic gender inequality by implementing strategic actions across multiple program areas. Through Grant-Making and Management, JWF provides financial support to women-led organizations, enhancing their capacity to create a collective impact on women’s rights and empowerment. Resource Mobilization secures essential resources by building partnerships, launching fundraising campaigns, and engaging communities, ensuring the sustainability and reach of JWF’s programs. Capacity Building and institutional strengthening empowers women with leadership, vocational, and advocacy skills, fostering their ability to lead change and drive systemic transformation. Impact Investing promotes economic empowerment by funding women-led projects that create jobs, provide education, and advance social progress, contributing to long-term gender equality. In times of crisis, JWF’s Crisis Response offers immediate support and resilience-building, helping communities recover and maintain progress. Lastly, JWF influences philanthropy by advocating for increased funding for women-focused initiatives and educating donors and other stakeholders through webinars, conferences and round tables on the importance of gender equality, ensuring effective resource allocation to empower women and girls across East Africa.

The cumulative impact of these strategic actions leads to significant outcomes. In the short term, JWF sees increased funding, capacity, and support for Women and Girls Rights Organizations, along with immediate relief and resilience-building for women in crisis situations. Over the medium term, these efforts strengthen feminist movements and leadership, improve access to economic opportunities, and enhance advocacy for women’s rights. As sexual and gender-based violence decreases and sexual and reproductive health rights improve, the long-term vision of a society where women and girls live free from gender inequality and socio-economic deprivation becomes a reality.

Ultimately, JWF’s integrated approach creates a pathway to an empowered society. By addressing the immediate needs of women and girls, strengthening the capacity of women-led organizations, and mobilizing resources strategically, JWF dismantles the structural causes of poverty and gender inequality. This process fosters an inclusive society where every woman and girl can thrive, achieving the vision of gender equality and sustainable socio-economic development.