“Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global recognition of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a day to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles for gender equality and to emphasize the importance of empowering women. This year’s theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, resonates profoundly with the mission and efforts of Asante Africa Foundation, which is dedicated to transforming the lives of children, particularly girls, in East Africa through education.

Investing in Education: Empowering Women for a Brighter Future

One of the most powerful ways to invest in women is through education. Asante Africa Foundation understands this principle well and has been working tirelessly to provide quality education to girls in East Africa. Education is a catalyst for change, and when girls are educated, they become agents of progress in their communities and beyond. By investing in the education of women, we are not only empowering individuals but also laying the foundation for sustainable development and positive social transformation.

Asante Africa recognizes the barriers that often hinder girls’ access to education, including cultural norms, economic challenges, and systemic inequalities. By addressing these barriers head-on, the foundation is creating a pathway for girls to pursue their education without constraints. This aligns perfectly with the International Women’s Day theme, as investing in education is a direct investment in women’s empowerment and progress.

Investing in women goes beyond the classroom. Asante Africa recognizes the importance of addressing the health and well-being of women and girls. Through health education programs, access to healthcare services, and initiatives promoting overall well-being, the foundation is ensuring that women can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. This holistic approach aligns with the broader goals of International Women’s Day, which seeks to create a world where women are not just surviving but thriving in every aspect of their lives.

Fostering Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is also about developing skills and fostering leadership qualities. Asante Africa goes beyond providing basic education by offering programs that empower young women to become leaders in their communities. By instilling confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of entrepreneurship, the foundation is preparing these women to accelerate progress not only in their own lives but also in the broader context of societal development. One key area that we focus on is the integration of digital skills into the education of these women as this is a key component for success in today’s world.

Our Success Stories

Over the years, the initiatives of the Asante Africa Foundation have paved the way for numerous success stories, showcasing the incredible impact of investing in education. Let’s meet some of the women who have become a shining example of resilience-

Meet Sharon from Kenya! Hailing from humble beginnings in Kenya, Sharon faced early hardships due to her family’s health issues. Inspired to break the cycle, she dreamed of a career in health. Despite financial struggles, Sharon connected with Asante Africa, making her dream of becoming a nurse possible.

Sharing her story on social media led Sharon to apply for an Asante Africa scholarship, making her a recipient. The support was more than financial aid; it was a lifeline, enabling Sharon to unlock her potential. With Asante Africa, Sharon’s dreams are now achievable.

Access to resources and participation in the programs transformed Sharon. Gaining crucial skills in mental health, personal branding, and entrepreneurship, she now sells shoes to supplement her income as she studies nursing.

Currently, a second-year student, Sharon defies the odds, symbolizing resilience and the transformative power of education. She supports her family and aspires to open a health practice, providing essential care to her community.

Meet Rahel from Tanzania, an inspiring Asante Africa Foundation Alumni. Rahel’s journey with Asante Africa began at 11, and through the Scholarship Program, she pursued her passion for Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, graduating in 2019.

The financial assistance alleviated the burden of fees, allowing Rahel to focus on studies, participate in extracurriculars, and access networking events. This not only boosted her confidence but also shattered stereotypes in her community.

Now a System Analyst at Zannet Company Ltd, Rahel plans to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering. Eager to make a positive impact, Rahel believes engineering will equip her with problem-solving skills to tackle real-world challenges.

Committed to paying it forward, Rahel is grateful for Asante Africa’s opportunities and strives for excellence in her endeavors.

Meet Victoria from Uganda, a determined student from Nyankwanzi High School. Hailing from a family of six, led by a single mother practicing small-scale agriculture, Victoria faced financial challenges. She made entrepreneurship a passion alongside her dream of becoming a doctor. She joined the Youth Livelihood Program under Asante Africa last year, gaining valuable skills like saving, budgeting, marketing, and fundraising. She also learned the importance of protecting the environment and the value of sustainability, using these skills to create a green business.

Victoria and her group, “Together as One Company,” initiated a project reusing plastic bottles to conserve the environment and address school challenges. With 60 members, they created a business plan, collected reusable plastic bottles, and fundraised for additional materials. Selling handmade items, they supported team members with scholastic materials and planned to purchase a briquette-making machine, reducing deforestation and promoting education in their community. Victoria’s journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the positive impact of education and entrepreneurship.

International Women’s Day underscores the collective pursuit of gender equality. With the theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” you too can help champion the transformative impact of investing in women’s education, health, and well-being. By aligning with this global initiative, you can actively contribute to a shared vision of a world where women thrive with equal opportunities, education, and the power to drive progress for themselves and their communities.

Written By: Mayuri Goswami