About the Organization
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The African Women’s Alliance, Inc. (AWA) was formed in 1997, and is a part of the United Nation’s post-Beijing Platform-For-Action non-governmental organization (NGO) movement. It was formally incorporated in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is a non-political, non-religious, and non-governmental organization. The founding and existing members of AWA are drawn from Africa and its global Diaspora. AWA’s initial regions of interest and study are:
1. Continental Africa
2. North America
3. South America
4. The Caribbean
In relation to these regions of interest AWA has created a forum for:
- Information
- Promotion of African Perspectives
- Understanding of Cultural Diversity
- Promotion of Community Development
- Strengthening the capacity of women, families and communities
Accordingly, AWA :
- Conducted, and published the results of a survey on the sources and impact of information about Africa and its Diaspora
- Participated in global conferences dealing with issues relevant to Africa, its Diaspora and global African communities
- Held receptions and conducted seminars at the Commission on the Status of Women, on themes chosen by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Past AWA seminars include: “Financial Issues in African Communities”; “Resources in African communities – A Discourse on the way African Communities Withstand Adversity’; “Healing the Effects of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance on Africa and Its Diaspora”; “World Financial and Economic Crisis, and its Impact on African Communities and Development”; “Human Rights of Women and Girls in Global African Communities”; “Obstacles and Solutions to African Women and Girls’ Access to Education and Employment”, and “Strengthening the Capacity of Rural women through Co-operation with Urban/Professional Women”.
- Showcased research analysis by Professor Guthrie Ramsey, Associate Professor of Music, University of Pennsylvania, PA, on the African roots of African-American music titled “ Musical Meaning and the African Musical Past”
- Published information papers on the traditional Yoruba Credit club of Esu/Esusu/Sou-Sou, as sources of capital; and the rules governing public assistance in New York State.
- Provides a Forum for information, interaction and discussion of issues relevant to Africa, its Diaspora, and global African communities.