Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative
Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative equips women-identified, Africa-based plant-based advocates with leadership skills, campaign skills, and a safe network of like-minded vegan advocates across all African countries and abroad. Our goal – unite African women-identified vegan activists, increase the plant-based movement in the region, and build a stronger, women-led vegan network across the continent.
This is an online initiative, individuals from any African country are invited.
Questions can be sent to virginia.ruguru@thrivephilanthropy.org
STRENGTHENING WOMEN LEADERSHIP
The Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative empowers women to address critical issues surrounding plant-based advocacy and organization leadership, it strengthens the capacity of members to create resilient plant-based food systems that increase access to healthy, sustainable plant-based foods, alleviate hunger, and improve nutrition across the continent.
THE WHY
Why did we launch the Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative? After observing a significant minority in the number of Africa-based women-identified grant applicants, Thrive wanted to know:
What is the reason for this gender discrepancy?
What are the barriers women face to grant funding and advocacy leadership?
How can we dismantle these barriers and create more access to resources?
Through these questions, the Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative was born. The initiative was founded by Thrive CEO, Jessika Ava, and is managed by the powerhouse Kenya-based Thrive Africa Co-Manager, Virginia Ruguru. To date, it has led to a significant uptake in women-led vegan projects and grants across Africa and increased vegan projects in the region.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Thrive Africa Co-Manager, Virginia, discusses Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative on USA podcast, NaijhaSpeaks.
MEMBERS WILL:
JOIN COMMUNITY
Join a network of like-minded women-identified advocates who support your success and growth
Meet local and international career advocates
Join a lively online discussion group
Have networking opportunities
Potentially meet new vegan women in your city
Create new life-long friendships
GAIN LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Attend leadership development, organization management, and campaign strategy workshops led by domestic and international experts
Access supportive professional consultation
Join or lead member campaigns
Be notified of other vegan movement skill-building opportunities
Be eligible to apply for a grant
“I feel empowered and supported in my advocacy work. The initiative is like a personalized coaching experience, focusing on the often-overlooked aspects of health and wellbeing in our journey. It’s boosted my confidence and leadership skills. I feel ready to lead with greater intention and purpose.”
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
The Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative is open to women-identified vegan advocates residing in Africa. Everyone is welcome – organization leaders, staff, students, volunteers, influencers, individual advocates, and those just starting on their vegan advocacy journey or careers.
Our members currently range from teenagers to retirees, and include early, mid, and late-level careers. Our members include entrepreneurs, students, medical professionals, NGO professionals, gardeners, environmentalists, retail specialists, and more. We thrive in our diversity and are a welcoming place for everyone!
This is an online initiative so that individuals from any African country can participate.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initaitive’s youngest member, Gladys, speaks on USA podcast, NaijhaSpeaks.
A SAMPLE OF
OFFERINGS
WORKSHOP
Members join workshops such as, “Empowering Vegan Women’s Leadership: The Journey from Self-Awareness to Effective Advocacy” with USA Guest Speaker, Dominique Sade
CONSULTATION
Members can hold a one-on-on mentorship call with an expert consultant, tailored to your needs
MEDIA INTERVIEWS
Members can create opportunities for interviews with local news stations or international podcasts
APPLY FOR A GRANT
Members have an opportunity to apply for a competitive grant to fund your advocacy
MEMBER CAMPAIGN
Members can be an active leader in the Women’s Initiative Plant-Powered Holiday Campaign in your own city
AND MORE
Including strategizing sessions, additional workshops, certificates of completion, and more
Register to Join the Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative
INITIATIVE LEAD
The Thrive Africa Vegan Women’s Initiative was founded by Thrive Philanthropy CEO, Jessika Ava and is managed by Kenya-based Thrive Africa Co-Manager, Virginia Ruguru. Virginia is a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition with over 12 years of experience in managing international and national nonprofit programs. She is dedicated to promoting plant-based culinary traditions and humane education. Virginia endeavors to nurture compassion and respect for all living beings, with a strong emphasis on the humane treatment of animals. Committed to accelerating plant-based food systems and promoting veganism, she aims to drive positive change and advocate for sustainable practices in nutrition and ethical values.
For more information, please contact Virginia at virginia.ruguru@thrivephilanthropy.org.
Thrive Africa is a department of Thrive Philanthropy.
Questions may be sent to africa@thrivephilanthropy.com
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