As a charity proudly run by a Black woman from Zimbabwe, today is a very special day to us, it’s World Africa Day!

On this day, in 1963, the Organization of African Unity – now known as the African Union – was established. As we commemorate this day, we reflect on the accomplishments of people across the African continent, and on the challenges, they still endure.

This year’s theme, focused on the importance of addressing malnutrition and food insecurity, is important. Across the continent, Africa faces stark development challenges, including food insecurity and increasing malnutrition.

This is something that Creating Better Futures is trying to combat with our feeding programme…and we need your help! Just £1 can feed a child for a whole week! Why not celebrate World Africa Day by donating today.

What better way to start honoring this occasion than by highlighting a few of MANY inspirational African women and young people; despite being young have made their voices heard and are making a difference for the next generation, we are in awe of these incredible young people and strong women!

1. Damilola Odufuwa and Odunayo Eweniyi – are feminist leaders and entrepreneurs from Nigeria. In 2020 they came together to create the Feminist Coalition, which promotes women’s rights, safety, education, and economic and political participation to then women in Nigeria. With incredible projects from supporting the #EndSARS protests, and food drives for low-income women, to providing women annually with life-changing scholarships.

2. Meaza Ashenafi – She is the first-ever female Chief Justice of Ethiopia and is known for her legal advocacy, working with Ethiopian Women’s Lawyers Association, the organisation which she co-founded. Being the only female graduate from her class year and witnessing firsthand how the laws were discriminating against women, she has paved the way forward for the next generation of women! She is an inspiration. Not to mention the fact that she also co-founded Enat Bank, the first bank in Ethiopia to be founded by women shareholders… talk about girl power!

3. Vee Kativhu – She is a Zimbabwean empowerment YouTuber and girls education advocate, as well as the founder of Empowered by Vee. Which is an academic empowerment platform that works to ensure that everyone knows there is a place for them in education- no matter their background, skin colour, or gender. With a quarter of a million, youtube subscribers; Vee is helping spread equality through education.

4. Tanya Muzinda –  She is a young female motocross rider from Zimbabwe. She started racing at just five years old and was the first female to have won a motocross championship in Zimbabwe since it began in 1957. She is proving to young people across the world that gender should never stop you from achieving your goals and going against gender norms. She said “Most people think that you can’t do it because it is only a sport for boys and I am a girl, but I want to show them that you can do anything,”

5. Angelina Makore – She is a young leader from Zimbabwe who is campaigning for health and the well-being of women and girls. When she was just 14 years old, she nearly became a victim of child marriage, and since then she has become an activist against the practice. She has since become the founder of the organisation Spark R.E.A.D an NGO and has rescued victims of child marriage and sexual abuse. She is making a huge impact on the lives of women in Zimbabwe!

Wondering how you can make a difference this World Africa Day? By donating just £1 you will be feeding one child in Zimbabwe for an entire week! Going hungry is something that no one should ever have to endure, especially not at such a young and vulnerable age. With regular meals, children are more likely to attend their local schools, as well as concentrate better during lessons, not to mention the fact that it will also help keep their growing bodies healthy. There are many ways in which you make a difference this World Africa Day, from a one-off donation to signing up to easy fundraising, you have the ability to change lives at the click of a button!

Why not join us for our exciting upcoming event with Chris Reads Minds as he reads your mind and influences your thoughts and decisions through you! Don’t miss out on the best zoom call you will join all year, on Thursday the 9th of June. All of the ticket proceeds will go towards our education and food programs in Zimbabwe, so whilst Chris may be changing the way you think, you will be changing the lives of many vulnerable children!

To find out about all the amazing ways that you can get involved head over to our donations page here: https://creatingbetterfutures.org.uk/give/donations

Author: Lucy Pelopida (04/02/22)