Women./Photo Courtesy
African philanthropy practitioners, researchers, and civil society actors are invited to register for the Women in African Philanthropy (Adɔyɛ) Validation Workshop, a convening that will explore the experiences and contributions of African women in philanthropy and social investment.
The workshop is being organised by the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment and will take place on April 2, 2026, from 09:00 to 14:00 at Wits Business School in Johannesburg.
The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either in person or virtually.
The validation workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen understanding of the role women play in shaping philanthropy across the continent.
It will bring together stakeholders from across Africa to engage with emerging research and contribute insights to refine findings and inform future work in the sector.
At the core of the workshop is the Adɔyɛ initiative, which seeks to document and elevate the often underrepresented contributions of African women in philanthropy and social investment.
Participants will have the opportunity to interact with research findings drawn from four countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, providing a comparative perspective on how women are influencing giving practices, community development, and resource mobilisation in different contexts.
The convening is expected to attract a diverse mix of participants, including academics, development practitioners, civil society leaders, and philanthropic actors.
By creating space for dialogue between researchers and practitioners, the workshop aims to bridge the gap between evidence and practice while strengthening networks across the continent.
Attendees will engage in discussions that examine both the challenges and opportunities facing women in philanthropy, including access to funding, leadership representation, and the recognition of informal and community-based giving systems.
The validation process is a critical step in ensuring that the research reflects lived realities and captures diverse perspectives from across Africa.
In addition to engaging with the research, participants will also have the opportunity to contribute their own experiences and insights, helping to shape a more inclusive and representative narrative of African philanthropy.
Organisers say the workshop will play an important role in informing future programming, advocacy, and knowledge production within the sector.
The hybrid format is designed to make the convening accessible to a wider audience, particularly those who may not be able to travel to Johannesburg.
Virtual participation will enable stakeholders from across the continent and beyond to engage in real-time discussions and contribute to the validation process.
Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their place.
The workshop offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing body of work that seeks to recognise and strengthen women’s role in shaping Africa’s philanthropic landscape.
As conversations around localisation, equity, and inclusive development continue to gain momentum, the Adɔyɛ Validation Workshop provides a timely platform to centre African women’s voices and contributions in philanthropy and social investment.
By bringing together diverse perspectives and grounding research in lived experience, the convening aims to contribute to a more equitable and representative future for the sector across the continent.
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