Investing in Women's Development: The Impact of Seed Funding in Africa

Do you know that women are 90% more likely to invest their income and financial resources in taking care of their families and communities? However, despite the significant contributions of women to their communities, women-led non-profits in Africa still face obstacles in accessing capital and resources to develop their initiatives.

According to a World Economic Forum article, only 11% of seed-funding capital in emerging markets went to companies with a woman on the founding team in 2019, and multiple reports show that less than 10% of funding for gender equality goes to women-led organisations.

That's where seed funding and feminist philanthropy come in! Seed grants can help kickstart a project or initiative and help grassroots female-led organizations overcome financial barriers that limit them from achieving their goals.?

To combat gender-based inequality and overthrow patriarchal structures that deny women access to cash, networks, and resources, feminist philanthropy encourages funding for women-led initiatives. This is consistent with the notion that providing seed money for women-led non-profit initiatives can be crucial for empowering women, preserving the social fabric, and raising the proportion of women in positions of leadership.

In the long run, seed funding methods that emphasise equity, adaptability, and collaboration can benefit communities and promote sustainable development. Seed-funding grants can support economic growth, empower women, and build a more just and equal society. This strategy is especially successful when it comes to assisting grassroots projects run by women that address the particular needs of communities and offer a space for women to lead and participate in decision-making.

How can these seed grants transform local communities and empower women and girls? Let us look at Petronella Nga'ndu, founder of Faithful Hearts Foundation, a grassroots community initiative in Lusaka, Zambia. With the help of the Usawa Equity Grant, Petronella organized the "Reusable Pads for Girls Training Project," equipping girls in Lusaka's impoverished communities with reusable pads. Through the grant, Faithful Hearts provides training and resources to girls who need them, enabling them to manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity and independence.

Studies have shown that women's development is crucial to the growth and development of local communities and, ultimately, society at large. Seed funding is critical in providing resources to women-led non-profit organizations and projects, particularly grassroots organizations that often have limited access to capital and resources. Not only does seed funding help small initiatives grow and create a positive impact on communities, but it can also help women-led grassroots organizations develop new partnerships and collaborations that contribute to their success in the long term.

At The Usawa Institute, we are committed to championing gender equality and women's development in Africa. Our annual grant, the Usawa Equity Grant, provides a flexible US$500 - US$1000 grant to support community projects that support women and girls' development in Southern Africa. This grant supports the Usawa Community Leadership Program fellows to scale their initiatives, strengthen their advocacy capacity, and build equal and sustainable communities.

As developmental donors, funders, and philanthropists supporting non-profit projects in Africa, it is essential to consider the transformative power of seed funding for women-led projects, aligned with feminist values and principles. With this support, we can create positive change in Africa and beyond, contributing to a brighter future for all.

So, how can you champion gender equality and women's development in Africa? As donors, funders, and philanthropists supporting non-profits in Africa, it is essential to consider the transformative power of seed funding for grassroots women-led projects, aligned with feminist values and principles.

Consider supporting organizations like The Usawa Institute, which provides seed funding to female leaders with grassroots community initiatives. With this support, we can create positive change in Africa and beyond, contributing to a brighter future for all.

Written by Anoziva Marindire , Founder, The Usawa Institute