#MyAFMAStory
“We are delighted to inform you that you have been selected to participate in the African Feminist Macroeconomic Academy (AFMA)” My immediate reaction when I received the email? “YES, I made it!” I knew it would be a great learning experience for me, my work and my community and professional career development, but could never have imagined that it would be an amazingly life-changing experience!
AFMA brought together about 25 incredible feminists in their diversity from across the continent, for a week of vibrant learning and sharing. The Academy’s holistic programme focused on Exploring Feminist Approaches to Financing for Development, and how the concept translates into critical macroeconomic issues affecting the economic growth, participation, development, and our daily realities as African women.
Our facilitators for the week were nothing short of amazing, taking what is often described as ‘complex’ and making it understandable and relatable for us all. They provided valuable insights into real-world applications of macroeconomic theories and how they relate to feminist ideology and practice.
We were introduced to key concepts of fiscal and monetary policy, as well as the roles of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Multilateral Development Banks like the African Development Bank. We gained insights into how these policies impact economic architecture, particularly through a gender lens, addressing biases in labor, unpaid care work, and public service delivery.
Subsequent discussions delved into the feminist political economy, examining colonial legacies and their influence on current economic practices. We explored crucial concepts in development economics, including austerity and social reproduction, fostering a deeper understanding of the dynamics within Africa’s feminist economic landscape.
Lastly we looked into tax and debt justice, linking trade and investment policies to the Financing for Development (FfD) agenda, zooming into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting it’s potential successes and challenges of marginalization of women across different levels of trade.
The diverse perspectives shared by fellow participants enriched my understanding of the unique contexts of different countries. I have also cultivated a long lasting sisterhood!
My experience at the African Macroeconomics Academy was not just educational; it was a catalyst for inspiration and action. I left with a renewed commitment to my social impact work, targeted at promoting and advancing the health and socio-economic rights of girls and young women in Botswana, and the rest of the Southern Africa region.
