Africa Region (ARWG)
Working Group
Purpose: The Why Behind Our Work
The purpose of the Africa Region Working Group (ARWG) is to empower, connect, and amplify the voices of women engaged in shaping Africa’s development, governance, and global engagement.
This group aims to provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action among women leaders, practitioners, scholars, and advocates focused on African political, economic, social, and cultural issues. Through research, policy analysis, networking, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, the working group seeks to promote gender-inclusive solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges and to elevate women’s leadership in African and international arenas.
Scope: Defining our Focus
The ARWG seeks to empower and elevate women’s leadership in shaping Africa’s future. We are committed to advancing gender equity by fostering dialogue, driving policy change, and building networks across sectors. Centered around diverse voices and perspectives, our mission is to create inclusive spaces where women can lead, influence, and transform political, economic, and social systems across the continent.
Goals/Objectives: Targeted Outcomes
Policy Analysis & Advocacy: Analyze key political, economic, and social developments across Africa through a gender lens and advocate for inclusive policies that support women’s rights, leadership, and transformative policies.
Networking & Collaboration: Facilitate connections among women professionals, leaders, and institutions working on African affairs through forums, roundtables, and digital platforms to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Capacity Building & Mentorship: Provide mentorship opportunities and capacity-building programs for emerging women leaders in fields such as diplomacy, development, academia, and civil society.
Research & Publications: Support and disseminate research on women’s contributions to African governance, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, education, and health, promoting gender-sensitive perspectives in African studies and policymaking.
Public Engagement & Events: Organize events, speaker series, and public discussions to raise awareness of critical African issues and highlight the role of women in addressing them.
Strategic Partnerships: Engage with African and international organizations, academic institutions, governments, and civil society to promote joint initiatives that advance gender equality and sustainable development across Africa.
Get Involved
The Africa Region Working Group is looking for dependable, motivated, and detail-oriented individuals who excel in collaborative environments and are eager to bring their unique insights to research on the ever-evolving trends within Africa. If you're committed to elevating the voices of women of color, building community with others who share your goals, and contributing thoughtful, impactful work that centers African perspectives, we’d love to have you on board.
Our team meets quarterly, and we ask members to commit 2–5 hours per week for meetings, research, and collaborative deliverables. This is a valuable opportunity to engage with a dedicated network of professionals, influence key conversations, and contribute to advancing equity and sustainability on the continent. We welcome emerging leaders, seasoned professionals, creative thinkers, and analytical minds alike.
Interested in joining? We encourage you to share your interest and become part of our vibrant, purpose-driven team.
Latest Developments
Second Co-Chair (1 Position)
- The Second Co-Chair will serve in coordination with the current Co-Chair as global issue-matter expert of the Working Group. The Co-Chair will be in charge of coordinating and leading strategy messaging to advance the policy objective of WCAPS and the Working Group.
Secretary (1 Position)
-Working closely with the co-chairs, the Secretary will help shape the Working Groups' practices, ensuring compliance with WCAPS' requirements. The Secretary will support the Working Group to ensure efficient communication and information sharing, and effective use of systems for organizing and tracking work.
Program and Research Coordinator (1 Position)
-The Program and Research Coordinator will provide expertise to the Working Group issue matter area, including planning and capacity-building, research and analytical support, community engagement, partnership building, and technical assistance.
Communications and Relations Coordinator (1 Position)
-The Communications and Media Relations Coordinator will be responsible for shaping and executing strategic communications for the Working Group. The individual chosen for this position will develop and execute communications campaigns and media relations while managing communication resources.
Issue Advocates (3 Positions)
-Issue Advocates take on a variety of roles within the Working Group, which include, but are not exclusive to, supporting research, policy coordination, promoting awareness and driving action, contributing to articles and publications, and supporting programming.