{"id":2111,"date":"2025-09-01T08:37:19","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T08:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/?p=2111"},"modified":"2025-10-25T14:06:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T14:06:19","slug":"diwa-holds-general-assembly-in-june-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/diwa-holds-general-assembly-in-june-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"DIWA Holds Its 2025 General Assembly: Renewing Leadership and Strengthening the Movement of Women with Disabilities in Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lilongwe, Malawi \u2013 May & June 2025<\/strong>
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Assembly marked a pivotal moment in DIWA\u2019s institutional journey, reflecting on over two decades of advocacy, leadership, and resilience, and setting a clear direction for the organization\u2019s future under its 2024\u20132029 Strategic Plan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Remarks by the African Disability Forum<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Shuiab underscored ADF\u2019s longstanding partnership with DIWA and highlighted the organization\u2019s resilience during a period of transition, emphasizing how collaboration and solidarity within the disability movement have strengthened collective advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThe journey DIWA has traveled demonstrates commitment, unity, and determination,\u201d<\/em> he said. \u201cADF 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\u2019s disability rights and gender equality agenda.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

His address reaffirmed the importance of continental solidarity, applauding DIWA\u2019s ability to inspire and organize women leaders across regions through its inclusive governance model and partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflections by the Outgoing Board of Trustees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The outgoing Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Ms. Wezi Mjojo, delivered a heartfelt farewell speech reflecting on the organization\u2019s resilience and transformation since the passing of its founder, the late Madam Rachel Kachaje.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cIn the face of loss and uncertainty, we stood together , the Board, staff, and movement, and paved the way forward, honoring Rachel\u2019s legacy through continuity, courage, and collective leadership,\u201d<\/em> Ms. Mjojo stated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

She applauded the leadership of Ruth Mkutumula, DIWA\u2019s Executive Director, for steering the organization toward stability and growth, finalizing the constitutional review, and developing an ambitious new strategic plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cDIWA has not only remained stable; it has grown, amplified its voice, and deepened its influence across Africa,\u201d<\/em> she affirmed. \u201cI hand over leadership with pride, knowing DIWA\u2019s future is bright and in capable hands.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Key Highlights and Governance Milestones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Assembly achieved several landmark outcomes that strengthen DIWA\u2019s governance and organizational capacity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Adoption of a New Constitution \u2013 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ratification of Past Decisions \u2013 Members ratified the past Board\u2019s decisions, acknowledging their extended term during the constitutional transition period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Presentation of Progress and Financial Reports \u2013 DIWA\u2019s Executive Director, Ruth Mkutumula, presented the organizational progress report, highlighting milestones since 2002, major programmatic achievements under the UN Trust Fund\u2013funded Inclusive and Empowered Feminist Movement in Africa Project, and partnerships under the SPADRA Project supported by SIDA through ADF and Inclusion Africa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Strategic Plan 2024\u20132029 Adopted \u2013 Members endorsed DIWA\u2019s five-year Strategic Plan focusing on movement building, advocacy, leadership development, and sustainability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Election of a New Executive Council \u2013
    • Chairperson<\/em>: Adelaide Nyigina (National Coordinator, ABPDFH \u2013 Burundi<\/em>)Vice Chairperson<\/em>: Winfred Namukwaya<\/strong> (Executive Director, MUDIWA \u2013 Uganda<\/em>)Treasurer<\/em>: Esther Mbite (Chairperson, NEGWDM \u2013 Malawi<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>Co-opted Regional Representatives included:\n
        \n
      • East Africa \u2013 Robinah Alambuya<\/em> (Uganda)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • West Africa \u2013 Patience Dickson<\/em> (Nigeria)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Southern Africa \u2013 Razaka Ralphine<\/em> (Madagascar)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Central Africa \u2013 Cyndbless Foundation for Girls with Disabilities in Africa<\/em> (Cameroon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • North Africa \u2013 To be confirmed at the next Executive Council meeting<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Appointment of a New Board of Trustees \u2013 The following members were appointed:\n
          \n
        • East Africa<\/em>: Firehiwot Tadese (Ethiopia)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • West Africa<\/em>: Ndifreke Etiowo Andrew-Essien<\/strong> (Nigeria)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Southern Africa<\/em>: Chifundo Duster<\/strong> (Malawi) and Philadelphia Motladiile-Kenneth<\/strong> (Botswana)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • North Africa<\/em>: Savia Juan Jackson Loudiong <\/strong>(South Sudan)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Closing Reflections and Way Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          In her remarks, Ruth Mkutumula expressed gratitude to members and partners for their continued trust and solidarity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n

          \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          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\u2019s role in global platforms such as Beijing+30, COSP, and the Global Disability Summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In her closing remarks, Ms. Winfred Namukwaya, Executive Director of MUDIWA (Mubende Women with Disabilities Association, Uganda)<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          She congratulated the new Executive Council and Board of Trustees, pledging that the leadership would continue to uphold DIWA\u2019s vision and values of unity, accountability, and inclusive development across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n

          \u201cWe are humbled by the trust that members have placed in us,\u201d<\/em> Winfred said. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          She called on all members to remain united and to actively support the new governance team as they lead the next phase of DIWA\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n

          \u201cLet us walk this path together,\u201d<\/em> she emphasized. \u201cEach 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          Ms. Namukwaya also extended appreciation to DIWA\u2019s partners, including the African Disability Forum (ADF), Inclusion Africa, and the UN Trust Fund, for their technical and financial support in strengthening DIWA\u2019s movement and governance structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n

          \u201cWith 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,\u201d<\/em> she concluded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          Following her remarks, the General Assembly was officially closed, marking the beginning of a new leadership era for DIWA.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Lilongwe, Malawi \u2013 May & June 2025Disabled 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2111","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-highlights"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2111","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2111"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2111\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2286,"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2111\/revisions\/2286"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2111"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2111"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.shakesolutions.net\/diwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2111"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}