women

The Transformational Impact of the Nagaad Project in Somalia In the heart of Somalia, the landscape is shifting. Farhiya and Halima, two remarkable women, stand as testaments to this transformation. They are part of a larger cohort of 583 women engaged in the World Bank-backed Somalia Urban Resilience Project – Phase II, affectionately known as the Nagaad Project. Co-financed by the Somalia Multi-Partner Fund, this initiative is not just about rebuilding infrastructure—it’s about reconstructing lives, redefining…

Minneapolis Jury Delivers Verdict in Tragic Crash that Claimed Five Lives MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — On a pivotal Friday afternoon, a jury rendered its verdict in a case that reverberated deeply throughout the Minneapolis community. Derrick Thompson, aged 29, was found guilty on 15 criminal counts related to a horrific high-speed crash that resulted in the untimely deaths of five Somali American women. This long-anticipated ruling offers a semblance of closure to the grieving families who have navigated…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the trial of Derrick John Thompson commenced on Tuesday. The stakes couldn’t be higher in this case, which claims a significant place in the annals of recent Minnesota history. Thompson is accused of causing the tragic deaths of five Somali American women in a high-speed collision that, for many, has shaken the very fabric of the state’s Somali community, drawing not just local but national scrutiny. At just 29 years old, Thompson faces an uphill battle…

The Significance of Public Recognition In today's entrepreneurial landscape, women often navigate a series of challenges—ranging from unequal access to funding to deeply ingrained stereotypes and the relentless balancing act between personal and professional obligations. Despite these hurdles, many women are leading innovative ventures, armed with groundbreaking ideas and impressive business results. Public recognition, particularly through esteemed awards like the best awards for women entrepreneurs, can be an…

"The HERitage Collective is an intentional response to a pressing gap in the market," asserts Sally Nnamani, the Co-Founder of the Collective. "Throughout the continent, countless talented and ambitious African women find themselves excluded from the strategic networks that open doors to capital, mentorship, and influence. Addressing this isn’t merely a social concern; it signifies an overlooked investment opportunity—a structural inefficiency that hinders overall growth. Through curated experiences like HER.Circle, we…

Seeds & Pennies: Transforming Finance with Community at Its Core In an exciting development, Seeds & Pennies has successfully capped a funding round with a remarkable influx of $425,000 (N680 million). This achievement is not just a number; it symbolizes a vibrant wave of investor confidence in their innovative, field-driven lending model. Over the past quarter alone, this dynamic lender has reported an impressive $625,000 (N1 billion) in collections while disbursing $500,000 (N800 million) in new loans. These…

On May 8th, the vibrant city of Dakar witnessed a significant stride towards economic empowerment with the official launch of the second phase of the Project for Support and Promotion of Women's and Youth's Entrepreneurial Initiatives, known as PAVIE II. This initiative, strategically rooted in the ambitious “Sénégal 2050” national development framework, boasts a substantial budget of €163.449 million. But what does this really mean for the people of Senegal? The essence of PAVIE II lies not just in numbers but in the…

Empowering Women Farmers: A New Initiative in Somalia On May 8, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in Mogadishu. Janine Cocker, the Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Canada to Somalia, and Etienne Peterschmitt, the FAO Representative in Somalia, shook hands, symbolizing their commitment to a brighter future for women's empowerment and climate resilience in agriculture. This partnership heralds a new chapter for Somalia’s agricultural landscape, driven by the initiative aptly named “Scaling Up Gender-Inclusive…

The Vital Contribution of Ensemble Main dans la Main Niger-Russie In a commendable move of goodwill, the non-governmental organization "Ensemble Main dans la Main Niger-Russie" (Together Hand in Hand Niger-Russia) has extended a significant grant to the National Reference Center for Obstetric Fistula in Niamey. This generous gesture not only reflects compassion but also embodies a commitment to addressing pressing healthcare needs in some of the most vulnerable communities. The…

In a harrowing revelation, Ghanaian authorities have fallen short in safeguarding the human rights of countless individuals, predominantly older women, who have been unjustly accused of witchcraft. The recent report by Amnesty International highlights the grim reality that these women often endure, facing horrifying ritualistic attacks that compel them to abandon their homes, driven by an overwhelming fear for their lives. Entitled "Branded for Life," this poignant report sheds light on the dire circumstances faced by more…