Founded in response to what a survey found
Active Women Arise – Africa is a women-led national non-governmental organisation promoting the rights, dignity and holistic well-being of women and children in South Sudan.
Vision
A society where women and children fully enjoy their rights, live in dignity, and thrive in peace and equality.
Mission
To provide equitable, dignified support to families and individuals affected by crisis in rural and urban communities, including persons with disabilities, helping them rebuild their strength and resilience.
Goal
To empower women, youth, and vulnerable communities in South Sudan to live dignified, peaceful, and resilient lives through inclusive humanitarian action, gender-responsive development, and sustainable peacebuilding.
A community-led assessment, and what it revealed
AWA-AFRICA began in May 2019, when a group of South Sudanese intellectuals, youth leaders and women activists carried out a voluntary, community-led assessment in conflict-affected areas.
What it found was stark. Widespread violence, displacement and the collapse of essential public services had left communities in Central Equatoria, Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, Eastern Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal acutely vulnerable — with women and girls bearing the heaviest consequences through gender-based violence, early and forced marriage, and economic exclusion.
The organisation was founded to answer those immediate needs while laying groundwork for something longer-term. It was formally registered with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission on 28 April 2020, granting legal recognition to operate nationally.
AWA-AFRICA emerged shortly after the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan was signed in September 2018 — a moment that opened space for civil society to contribute to national healing.
Nine commitments that govern the work
Equity and Inclusion
Fairness and non-discrimination — ensuring women, girls, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups have equal access to opportunities, services and resources.
Compassion
Operating with empathy, kindness and solidarity, and a commitment to alleviating suffering especially in times of crisis.
Integrity
The highest standards of honesty, transparency and accountability in managing resources on behalf of communities, partners and donors.
Participation and Empowerment
Meaningful participation of women, youth and communities in planning, decision-making and implementation.
Resilience
Helping people and communities recover from shocks, adapt to changing conditions, and build stronger systems for long-term well-being.
Collaboration and Partnership
Working with civil society, government, communities and donors to amplify collective reach and results.
Accountability
Answerable to the communities served. Open communication, feedback mechanisms and learning processes that improve the work.
Creativity and Innovation
Locally rooted solutions and adaptive thinking that respond to community needs in culturally appropriate ways.
Gender Sensitivity
Mainstreaming gender across all programmes to promote equality and dismantle the barriers to women’s empowerment.
How the organisation is held to account
AWA-AFRICA is structured to promote accountability, inclusivity and efficiency in programme delivery and decision-making.
Board of Directors
Strategic guidance, policy oversight and resource mobilisation. Meets quarterly and at major programmatic decisions.
Executive Director
Leads the organisation and links the Board to operational staff — strategy, representation and partnership development.
Programme management
Programme Manager, Field Coordinator, M&E Officer, Finance Officer and Procurement & Logistics Officer.
Community level
Community mobilisers, volunteers and support staff who deliver the last mile and maintain field presence.