Lilongwe, Malawi – May & June 2025
Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) successfully held its General Assembly between 27 May and 4 June 2025, uniting members, partners, and regional representatives from across Africa to review progress, adopt new governance frameworks, and renew leadership for the next phase of the movement.
The Assembly marked a pivotal moment in DIWA’s institutional journey, reflecting on over two decades of advocacy, leadership, and resilience, and setting a clear direction for the organization’s future under its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan.
Opening Remarks by the African Disability Forum
The General Assembly opened with remarks by Mr. Shuiab McLein, Executive Director of the African Disability Forum (ADF), who commended DIWA for its remarkable progress and leadership in advancing the rights of women and girls with disabilities across Africa.
Mr. Shuiab underscored ADF’s longstanding partnership with DIWA and highlighted the organization’s resilience during a period of transition, emphasizing how collaboration and solidarity within the disability movement have strengthened collective advocacy.
“The journey DIWA has traveled demonstrates commitment, unity, and determination,” he said. “ADF is proud to have supported this process through the Finland grant in partnership with IDA, ensuring that women with disabilities remain at the forefront of Africa’s disability rights and gender equality agenda.”
His address reaffirmed the importance of continental solidarity, applauding DIWA’s ability to inspire and organize women leaders across regions through its inclusive governance model and partnerships.
Reflections by the Outgoing Board of Trustees
The outgoing Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Ms. Wezi Mjojo, delivered a heartfelt farewell speech reflecting on the organization’s resilience and transformation since the passing of its founder, the late Madam Rachel Kachaje.
“In the face of loss and uncertainty, we stood together , the Board, staff, and movement, and paved the way forward, honoring Rachel’s legacy through continuity, courage, and collective leadership,” Ms. Mjojo stated.
She applauded the leadership of Ruth Mkutumula, DIWA’s Executive Director, for steering the organization toward stability and growth, finalizing the constitutional review, and developing an ambitious new strategic plan.
“DIWA has not only remained stable; it has grown, amplified its voice, and deepened its influence across Africa,” she affirmed. “I hand over leadership with pride, knowing DIWA’s future is bright and in capable hands.”
Key Highlights and Governance Milestones
The Assembly achieved several landmark outcomes that strengthen DIWA’s governance and organizational capacity:
- Adoption of a New Constitution – Members unanimously approved the revised DIWA Constitution, aligning it with modern governance standards and clarifying membership eligibility to exclusively include organizations of women and girls with disabilities and their networks.
- Ratification of Past Decisions – Members ratified the past Board’s decisions, acknowledging their extended term during the constitutional transition period.
- Presentation of Progress and Financial Reports – DIWA’s Executive Director, Ruth Mkutumula, presented the organizational progress report, highlighting milestones since 2002, major programmatic achievements under the UN Trust Fund–funded Inclusive and Empowered Feminist Movement in Africa Project, and partnerships under the SPADRA Project supported by SIDA through ADF and Inclusion Africa.
- Strategic Plan 2024–2029 Adopted – Members endorsed DIWA’s five-year Strategic Plan focusing on movement building, advocacy, leadership development, and sustainability.
- Election of a New Executive Council –
- Chairperson: Adelaide Nyigina (National Coordinator, ABPDFH – Burundi)Vice Chairperson: Winfred Namukwaya (Executive Director, MUDIWA – Uganda)Treasurer: Esther Mbite (Chairperson, NEGWDM – Malawi)
- East Africa – Robinah Alambuya (Uganda)
- West Africa – Patience Dickson (Nigeria)
- Southern Africa – Razaka Ralphine (Madagascar)
- Central Africa – Cyndbless Foundation for Girls with Disabilities in Africa (Cameroon)
- North Africa – To be confirmed at the next Executive Council meeting
- Appointment of a New Board of Trustees – The following members were appointed:
- East Africa: Firehiwot Tadese (Ethiopia)
- West Africa: Ndifreke Etiowo Andrew-Essien (Nigeria)
- Southern Africa: Chifundo Duster (Malawi) and Philadelphia Motladiile-Kenneth (Botswana)
- North Africa: Savia Juan Jackson Loudiong (South Sudan)
Closing Reflections and Way Forward
In her remarks, Ruth Mkutumula expressed gratitude to members and partners for their continued trust and solidarity:
“This General Assembly has renewed our mandate and reaffirmed our collective vision for an inclusive Africa led by women with disabilities. Together, we are building a legacy of empowerment, unity, and transformation.”
The Assembly concluded with a call to action for all members to strengthen country chapters, advance continental advocacy for the African Disability Protocol (ADP) and AU CEVAWG, and deepen DIWA’s role in global platforms such as Beijing+30, COSP, and the Global Disability Summit.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Winfred Namukwaya, Executive Director of MUDIWA (Mubende Women with Disabilities Association, Uganda) and newly elected Vice Chairperson of DIWA, expressed deep gratitude to all members and partners who participated in the General Assembly and the election process.
She congratulated the new Executive Council and Board of Trustees, pledging that the leadership would continue to uphold DIWA’s vision and values of unity, accountability, and inclusive development across Africa.
“We are humbled by the trust that members have placed in us,” Winfred said. “This new leadership commits to work with integrity, openness, and collaboration, ensuring that DIWA continues to grow stronger as the continental voice of women and girls with disabilities.”
She called on all members to remain united and to actively support the new governance team as they lead the next phase of DIWA’s journey.
“Let us walk this path together,” she emphasized. “Each of us has a role in making DIWA stronger, from our local networks to the continental platform. Our solidarity will turn commitments into action and ensure that no woman with a disability is left behind.”
Ms. Namukwaya also extended appreciation to DIWA’s partners, including the African Disability Forum (ADF), Inclusion Africa, and the UN Trust Fund, for their technical and financial support in strengthening DIWA’s movement and governance structures.
“With your partnership and our collective resolve, we will continue to raise our voices and advance inclusion, equality, and justice for women and girls with disabilities across Africa,” she concluded.
Following her remarks, the General Assembly was officially closed, marking the beginning of a new leadership era for DIWA.