Fueling the Feminist Fire: The July Dispatch!

Greetings!

Can you believe we are already riding the waves in July? This month has been a beautiful whirlwind of collective power, radical joy, and transformative energy! A standout moment was our gathering at the African Feminist Macroeconomics Academy (AFMA) in Kigali, where we explored new possibilities for shaping economic systems through an African feminist lens. Together, we reflected on the limitations of conventional economic approaches and imagined alternatives that place care, dignity, equity, and the well-being of our communities at the centre. It was a powerful expression of sisterhood, shared learning, and collective imagination—and a beautiful reminder of what becomes possible when we come together to learn, connect, and dream forward.

Reimagining African Economies Through a Feminist Lens

The African Feminist Macroeconomics Academy (AFMA) in Kigali brought together African feminist activists, economists, researchers and movement leaders to deepen conversations on the intersections of macroeconomic policy, gender justice and climate change. The Academy created space to examine how economic and financial systems shape the lives and livelihoods of African communities, particularly women.

Through panel discussions, interactive sessions, and cross-movement dialogues, participants explored pathways towards more equitable and sustainable economies. Key conversations centered on unpaid care work, debt, illicit financial flows, public services and economic sovereignty, while creating opportunities to share knowledge and strengthen collective strategies for influencing economic policy at national, regional and global levels.

AFMA reaffirmed the importance of placing care, dignity, livelihoods, and collective well-being at the heart of economic decision-making. The insights emerging from Kigali will continue to inform feminist efforts to advance gender-responsive economic policies and champion economic systems that work for people, communities and the planet.