Josephine Abahujinkindi
Rwanda / Netherlands
I call myself a feminist because I fully support feminist principles that consider women as the
real agents of change of their conditions.
I have lived and worked in Amsterdam since 1998. I was born and grew up
in Rwanda. I hold a Masters in Law with focus on International Public and
Private Law from University of Lome / Togo. My first degree is in Social and
Legal Services.
I am a co-founder and Managing Director of the Fund for the Advancement
of Women’s Rights in Francophone Africa (FADHAF). I am also a consultant in
women’s rights and gender equality and equity. I specially support women’s
organisations in the Diaspora by providing them empowerment and training
on women’s rights issues, advising on organisational strategies and fundraising
activities. I call myself a feminist because I fully support feminist principles
that consider women as the real agents of change of their conditions. I am
aware that women should act together to support each other in their efforts to
advance their rights. Therefore we need space and the means to let our voices
be heard so that we build and strengthen women’s movements all over the
world especially in Africa. As a feminist I am ready to do all in my power to
support feminist values in both my professional and in my personal life.
African Feminists continue to face challenges related to political, economic
and cultural factors that surround them. Dictatorial and corrupt regimes in most
African countries are hostile to democratic principles and especially women’s
human rights. This hampers the work of African feminists. The economic crisis
and impoverishment that most African women struggle with on a daily basis
is also extremely debilitating. In addition the cultural inhibitions, customs and
practices that are against women’s rights also constitute a big challenge for
feminists in Africa.
We can address these challenges through strengthening women’s NGOs and
increasing the resources available to them. We also need to continue building
capacity and raising awareness on women’s rights and gender equality at
all levels. Finally, we need to enhance the solidarity and networking among
feminists in Africa so that we are able to speak and move with a common
vision. The African Feminist Charter is a powerful instrument that can guide us
in the African women’s movement and we can create spaces for engagement
with it as well as disseminating it more widely.
My determination to achieve gender equality and social justice inspires me
tremendously. My dream is that women all over the world are able to enjoy
their rights without any limitation, enjoy their dignity and are free to make
decisions about their lives and those of their families.
VPS II
. 07