AkiDwA employs three key strategies to achieve its objectives, networking, policy work and capacity building/organisational development. AkiDwA develops African and migrant women’s capacity for participation and representation in their communities and in decision making structures through training, consultation, focus groups, information provision and research. 

KEY ACTIVITIES OF AKIDWA INCLUDE:


• Information provision

• Migrant women support

• Provision of education and training locally and regionally

• Research and related activities

• Policy work

• Outreach to members and vulnerable migrant women

• Stakeholder engagement on priority issues

• Community Resource Centre courses and services

AkiDwa Programme Objectives

Gender Based Violence:  AkiDwA's gender based violence (GBV) programme focuses on female genital mutilation, domestic violence and sexual violence. AkiDwA works to improve delivery of culturally appropriate support services for GBV related issues, provides guidance and training to migrant women experiencing domestic violence and women with medical concerns related to genital mutilation. AkiDwA advocates for legislation to prohibit female genital mutilation in Ireland, including the principle of extraterritoriality.

Employment: AkiDwA's employment programme focuses on migrant women’s access to the labour market, recognition of skills, education and work experience from abroad and the impact of the current recession on migrant women and families. The attainment of economic independence is crucial for women, especially for migrant women experiencing domestic violence so that they can make decisions based on safety and not poverty.

Gender Based Discrimination: AkiDwA's gender based discrimination programme advocates for the equality of treatment and engagement for migrant women through legislation, policy and practice reform and through awareness raising training and promoting balanced public debate. AkiDwA’s policy work aims to progress equal access to rights, services and economic opportunities and monitors safety and protection issues, in particular within State systems, lobbying for necessary reforms. AkiDwA supports the strengthening of women’s voice in civic and political structures.

AkiDwa's long term legacy outcome is that the rights of African and migrant woman living in Ireland will be respected and protected.

 “We are working together in solidarity, building an integrated society, one in which all people are valued, treated with respect and dignity, and enjoy equal opportunities and protections.”Salome Mbugua, Director, AkiDwA