WAWA ABA Institute

Greetings,

This message comes from my heart, the hearts of the Wawa Aba leaders and the hearts of the communities impacted by the work of Wawa Aba. It is for all of us and about all of us!

Our vision of creating a world of freedom, Justice and equity for all regardless of gender, stems from a deep understanding that all our journeys are interconnected by the divine breath within us. We do this work of gender justice, social justice and faith affirming people of all genders by engaging leaders at all levels, diverse organizations, local and national governments in achieving gender equity

In the five years of existence we have seen our leaders grow professionally, socially, mentally, psychologically, and spiritually as individuals and collectively in FOUR countries - Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Kenya. The impact of this growth has rippled throughout their communities through their capstone projects, their confidence in taking up leadership positions, readiness to speak truth to power, intentional commitment to staying connected and aligned to their divine purpose and the mission/vision of the Wawa Aba Institute.

Wawa Aba Womanist Leadership Institute takes you through a journey of self discovery, self awareness, and a deeper connection with our divine creator. Together with the Wawa Aba leaders in each country we curate engaging, purposeful, and impactful learning, unlearning and networking experiences. We recognize that all individuals are on a personal, social and professional journey therefore create an environment enabling personal growth, healing and collective support.

Wawa Aba Womanist Leadership Institute welcomes new people, new voices from across the globe and conscious innovations toward achieving our vision. With the help of all our Wawa Aba leaders, the local and global communities, we live a legacy for a kinder, boldly courageous, inclusive and just society.

We are strong. We are resilient. We are perseverance. We belong!

Wawa Aba!

Bishop Dr. Andrea Vassell

In 2018, a grant was received for the work of increasing female leaders and Bishop Elect Andrea Vassell named and created the WAWA ABA institute. The name is drawn from seed of the wawa tree, an Adinkra symbol symbolizing strength, resilience and perseverance. These were qualities that were present in the women within the community and organizations that Wawa Aba institute set out to call forth more strongly. Wawa Aba was officially launched in 2019 through a series of womanist conferences held in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.

Subsequent to the conferences, 14 current and emerging leaders were selected from 3 countries for the 13 weeks Wawa Aba Womanist Leadership training, where they explored deeply radical inclusivity, womanism and womanist centered theology, and were introduced to daring leadership. At the end of the training each leader conceptualized a project aligned with the needs in their local community.

Two cohorts later, the program has graduated 24 women and gender non conforming leaders from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and the DRC. The leaders have managed to impact the society in phenomenal ways including:

Creating autonomous in country strategic plans that builds into the vision and mission of Wawa Aba
Rwanda - formation of a cooperative SACCO for women that has become a business that sustainably improves the quality of life of grassroot women
Uganda - conference with religious leaders and key stakeholders for the advancement of rights and creation of inclusive spaces for LGBTIQ+ community
Kenya - Community engagements and autonomous programming for the advancement of the rights of women and girls, LGBTIQ+ persons and enabling conscious communities of care including visit to Prison and Dignity Kits for young girls in schools

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